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BUILD A PROCESS

Trace air to the alveoli

Order the conducting pathway and locate gas exchange.

Build a process

Use the up and down buttons to build the sequence, then check your reasoning. Some biological events overlap; follow the simplified pathway described here.

  1. 1
    Alveoli
  2. 2
    Bronchioles
  3. 3
    Bronchi
  4. 4
    Trachea
  5. 5
    Pharynx and larynx
  6. 6
    Nasal cavity
Read the complete pathway
  1. Nasal cavity. Air is filtered, warmed and humidified.
  2. Pharynx and larynx. Air enters the lower respiratory tract.
  3. Trachea. Cartilage helps keep the airway open.
  4. Bronchi. Branches distribute air into the lungs.
  5. Bronchioles. Small airways regulate airflow.
  6. Alveoli. Thin walls and nearby capillaries permit exchange.

Explain what you observed

Why is alveolar surface area important?

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Your study notes

Take the next step

Connect this activity with your lesson notes and chapter practice.

Read a related learning guide →Practise Respiration →Open the student notes folder ↗

Concepts and sources

Curriculum connections: 13.1. Selected concepts.

Read the supporting source ↗PMDC curriculum ↗

Questions and explanations are original teaching material; these are not official exam questions.

Keep exploring Respiration

Model

Breathing: depth versus rate

Compare total and alveolar ventilation.

Model

Design a gas-exchange surface

Control area, thickness and gradient.

Sort & explain

Follow respiratory gas gradients

Predict diffusion directions in lungs and tissues.