Which passage carries air into the lungs via the bronchi?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Trachea
• C. Bronchioles
• D. Pharynx

Answer: (B)

The passage that carries air into the lungs via the bronchi is the trachea. The trachea is a vital component of the respiratory system, serving as a major airway. It connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi, which then branch into the left and right lungs. When air is inhaled, it travels down the trachea and enters the bronchi, which further divide into smaller bronchioles leading to the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.

The esophagus, in contrast, is part of the digestive system and is not involved in the respiratory process. The bronchioles are smaller branches of the bronchi and are responsible for directing air deeper into the lung tissue. The pharynx also plays a role in the respiratory system, but it primarily functions as a passageway for both air and food, transferring air from the nasal cavity to the trachea, rather than directly conducting air into the lungs. Thus, the trachea's role in directing airflow to the bronchi is crucial for the respiratory process.