ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam

After passing through the glottis, inspired air then travels through which of the following structures?

1. Pharynx

2. Larynx

3. Trachea

4. Bronchi

The correct answer is: Larynx

The correct answer is that after passing through the glottis, inspired air travels through the larynx. The larynx serves as a crucial airway passage that connects the pharynx to the trachea. It is located just below the pharynx and is responsible for functions such as protecting the airway during swallowing and facilitating sound production. As air moves through the glottis, which is the opening between the vocal cords in the larynx, it enters the laryngeal passageway. From there, the air continues its journey downward to the trachea, where it is further directed into the bronchial tree of the lungs. While options such as the pharynx, trachea, and bronchi are involved in the respiratory pathway, they occur in different sequences relative to the flow of inspired air. Air does not pass through the pharynx after the glottis, since it precedes the larynx in the passage of air. Therefore, the correct structural sequence following the glottis is specifically through the larynx.