Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

39. Digestive System

Digestion

General Biology

39. Digestive System

Digestion

Previous problemNext problem

1:41 minutes

Problem 2

Textbook Question

The mammalian trachea and esophagus both connect to the
a. Pharynx
b. Stomach
c. Large intestine
d. Rectum

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the anatomy of the mammalian respiratory and digestive systems. The trachea is part of the respiratory system, while the esophagus is part of the digestive system.

Identify the function of the trachea and esophagus. The trachea carries air to the lungs, and the esophagus carries food to the stomach.

Recognize the common structure that both the trachea and esophagus connect to. This structure is responsible for directing air and food to their respective pathways.

Recall that the pharynx is a muscular tube that serves as a pathway for both air and food, connecting the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus.

Conclude that the correct answer is the pharynx, as it is the shared structure where both the trachea and esophagus connect.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Anatomy of the Pharynx

The pharynx is a muscular tube that serves as a pathway for both air and food. It connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus, respectively. In mammals, the pharynx is a crucial part of the digestive and respiratory systems, facilitating the passage of air to the trachea and food to the esophagus.

Function of the Trachea

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the pharynx to the lungs. It is part of the respiratory system and is responsible for transporting air in and out of the lungs. The trachea is reinforced with cartilage rings to maintain its structure and ensure an open airway.

Role of the Esophagus

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It is part of the digestive system and is responsible for moving swallowed food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach through a series of coordinated muscle contractions known as peristalsis. The esophagus plays a vital role in the initial stages of digestion.

Watch next

Master Food and Feeding with a bite sized video explanation from Jason

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Fat digestion yields fatty acids and glycerol. Protein digestion yields amino acids. Both digestive processes

a. Occur inside cells in most animals

b. Add a water molecule to break bonds

c. Require a low pH resulting from HCl production

d. Consume ATP

1938

views

Textbook Question

Label the parts of the human digestive system below and indicate the functions of these organs and glands.

<Image>

3406

views

Textbook Question

There are several key concepts introduced in this chapter: Structure correlates with function; an animal's body has a hierarchy of organization with emergent properties at each level; and complex bodies have structural adaptations that increase surface area for exchange. Label the tissue layers shown in this section of the small intestine, and describe how this diagram illustrates these three concepts.

929

views

Textbook Question

Calculate and compare the caloric content of skim milk and whole milk. Per serving, skim milk contains 12 g carbohydrates, 8 g protein, and no fat; whole milk contains 12 g carbohydrates, 8 g protein, and 8 g fat.

702

views

Textbook Question

What is a plasmid?

a. An organelle found in many bacteria and certain eukaryotes

b. A circular DNA molecule that replicates independently of the main chromosome(s)

c. A type of virus that has a DNA genome and infects certain types of human cells, including lung and respiratory tract tissue

d. A type of virus that has an RNA genome, codes for reverse transcriptase, and inserts a cDNA copy of its genome into cells

1869

views

Textbook Question

Complete the following map summarizing the nutritional needs of animals that are met by a healthy diet.