Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

What is the correct order of branching into the lungs?

1. Trachea, bronchi, alveoli

2. Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles

3. Bronchi, trachea, bronchioles

4. Bronchioles, bronchi, trachea

The correct answer is: Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles

The correct order of branching into the lungs is indeed trachea, bronchi, bronchioles. This order reflects the pathway that air takes as it enters the respiratory system and moves deeper into the lungs. When air is inhaled, it first travels through the trachea, which is the main airway leading into the lungs. The trachea then divides into two primary bronchi, which enter each lung. These bronchi further subdivide into smaller branches known as bronchioles. The bronchioles continue to branch into even smaller airways before culminating in the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs. Understanding this pathway is essential for comprehending how air travels and how oxygen is exchanged in the lungs. The sequence highlights the organization of the respiratory system, which is crucial for effective ventilation and gas exchange. Each component—trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles—plays a distinct role in filtering, warming, and humidifying the air before it reaches the alveoli.