Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which of the following structures is NOT a part of the lower airway?

1. Larynx

2. Bronchi

3. Trachea

4. Alveoli

The correct answer is: Larynx

The larynx is a structure that is situated at the boundary between the upper and lower airways. It plays a crucial role in phonation and serves as a passageway for air to enter the trachea. The lower airway specifically includes the trachea, bronchi, and alveoli, which are involved in the conduction of air and the exchange of gases between the lungs and the bloodstream. In this context, the trachea is the main airway that conducts air from the larynx to the bronchi, and the bronchi further branch into smaller airways before reaching the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs. Understanding the anatomical divisions of the airway is vital for EMTs, as it helps in recognizing the involvement of different structures during airway management and addressing respiratory emergencies.