Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which structure is not a component of the upper airway?

1. Nasal cavity

2. Pharynx

3. Larynx

4. Bronchioles

The correct answer is: Bronchioles

The bronchioles are not considered a component of the upper airway. The upper airway comprises structures involved in conducting air into the lungs and includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. These components serve essential functions such as filtering, humidifying, and warming the air before it reaches the lower airway. The nasal cavity is the initial entry point for air, the pharynx serves as a passageway for air to reach the larynx, and the larynx contains the vocal cords and acts as a gateway to the lower airway. In contrast, bronchioles are part of the lower respiratory system; they are small air passages leading from the bronchi to the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. Thus, recognizing the differentiation between upper and lower airway structures is crucial for understanding respiratory anatomy and physiology.