1. Nasal cavity
Function: Filters, warms, and humidifies incoming air.
2. Pharynx
Function: Serves as a passageway for both air and food; connects nasal cavity and mouth to larynx and esophagus.
3. Epiglottis
Function: A flap of cartilage that covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the lungs.
4. Larynx
Function: Houses the vocal cords and acts as a passageway for air; involved in voice production and protecting the trachea during swallowing.
5. Trachea
Function: Conducts air between the larynx and the bronchi; lined with cilia and mucus to trap and remove debris.
6. Bronchi
Function: Branches of the trachea that conduct air into the lungs; divide into smaller bronchioles.
7. Bronchioles
Function: Smaller branches of the bronchi that distribute air to the alveoli; regulate airflow via smooth muscle contraction.
8. Alveoli
Function: Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs—oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is removed.
9. Diaphragm
Function: Primary muscle of respiration; contracts and flattens to create negative pressure for inhalation, relaxes to allow exhalation.
10. Lungs
Function: Organs responsible for gas exchange; contain bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli; expand and contract to facilitate breathing.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of labeling the respiratory system worksheet.
