What is the path an oxygen molecule takes as rmoves from the air to the alveoli?
1 Answer
Nose
Nasal Cavity
Paranasal Sinuses
Pharynx
Larynx
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveolar Duct
Alveoli
Explanation:
An oxygen molecules the atmosphere enters the nose or mouth where the airs warmed, and moistened. If traveling in the nasal cavity it would enter the paranasal sinuses where dust and other filtrates would attach to the mucus lining.
Image from SMARTNotebook lecture by @smarterteacher
The oxygen molecule would then travel into the pharynx and then down past the epiglottis and into the larynx, between the vocal cords and into the trachea.
Image from SMARTNotebook lecture by @smarterteacher
The tracheal tube would carry the oxygen to the branches of the bronchi, which would carry the oxygen molecules into the body of the lungs by way of smaller and smaller branches called bronchioles. The final branch of the bronchiole tree ends in a tiny duct called the alveolar duct which attaches to an individual alveolar sac which is part of an alveoli or cluster sacs.
Image from SMARTNotebook lecture by @smarterteacher
The oxygen molecule would then pass through the alveolar wall can capillary wall into the blood stream by diffusion.
