Step 1: Begin by understanding the pathway of air during inhalation. Air enters the respiratory system through the nasal cavity, where it is filtered, warmed, and humidified.
Step 2: After passing through the nasal cavity, air moves into the pharynx, which serves as a shared pathway for both the respiratory and digestive systems.
Step 3: From the pharynx, air travels to the larynx, which houses the vocal cords and acts as a passageway to the lower respiratory tract.
Step 4: The air then enters the trachea, a tube reinforced with cartilage rings that ensures the airway remains open during breathing.
Step 5: Finally, air moves sequentially through the bronchi, bronchioles, and into the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs between the air and the bloodstream.