Conducting Portion
- The conducting portion includes the nose, nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and progressively smaller bronchioles ending at the terminal bronchioles.
- Conducting portion is the series of airways that delivers air toward the respiratory portion while conditioning the air.
- The nose is the entry region that filters, warms, and moistens inspired air.
- Nasopharynx is the upper throat region behind the nasal cavities.
- The larynx is the airway region involved in voice production and airway closure during swallowing.
- The trachea is the large midline airway that carries air toward the bronchi.
- Bronchi are branching airways that carry air from the trachea into and through the lungs.
- Bronchioles are smaller airways that lack cartilage and glands.
- Terminal bronchioles are the last purely conducting airways before the respiratory portion begins.
- Warming air protects delicate lung tissue from cold inspired air.
- Moistening air prevents drying of respiratory surfaces.
- Filtering air removes many particles before air reaches alveoli.
- Mucus traps particles and microorganisms on airway surfaces.
- Cilia move trapped material toward the throat so it can be swallowed or expectorated.
- Cartilage support keeps larger conducting airways from collapsing during airflow.
- Smooth muscle can change airway diameter, especially in bronchi and bronchioles.
- Conditioning of air is essential because alveoli need clean, warm, humid air for efficient gas exchange.
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