Mouth/nose→Trachea→Bronchi→Bronchioles→Alveoli→Gas exchange occurs and then the process happens in reverse (i.e. from alveoli to bronchioles)
The functions of each of these parts:
Ribs - These are curved bones that embrace and protect the lungs from damage. They are linked together by intercostal muscles.
Intercostal muscles - Located between the ribs and expand and contract as the lungs fill or deflate. They keep the ribs in place too.
Trachea - Lined with C shaped (or U shaped, depends how you think of it) rings of cartilage, these protect it from being crushed. This is the pipe that air travels down from the mouth or nose.
Bronchi - The two tube like structures that divide the trachea, one leading into each lung.
Bronchioles - Smaller tube like structures that contain alveoli at the tips and lead the air in and out of them
Alveoli - Tiny, grape-like air sacs surrounded by capillaries where gaseous exchange occurs
Pleural membranes - The outer lining of the lungs, which would feel kind of wet, and stops the lungs sticking to the ribs, as well as reducing friction.
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| Figure 1: A diagram of the human thorax |
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