MCAT Biology Question 82: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 82

7. Which of the following is a correct sequence of passageways through which air travels during inhalation?

  • A. Pharynx → trachea → bronchioles → bronchi → alveoli
  • B. Pharynx → trachea → larynx → bronchi → alveoli
  • C. Larynx → pharynx → trachea → bronchi → alveoli
  • D. Pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → alveoli

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Air enters the respiratory tract through the external nares (nostrils) and travels through the nasal cavities. It then passes through the pharynx and into the larynx. Ingested food also passes through the pharynx on its way to the esophagus; to ensure that food does not accidentally enter the larynx, the epiglottis covers the larynx during swallowing. After the larynx, air goes to the trachea, which eventually divides into two bronchi, one for each lung. The bronchi branch into smaller bronchioles, which terminate in clusters of alveoli. From the given sequences, only choice (D) correctly describes the sequence of the passages through which air travels.

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