Final answer:
The lower airway components of the respiratory system are the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Their function is to facilitate the movement of air into and out of the lungs and to ensure efficient gas exchange. These components are also referred to as the lower respiratory tract.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lower airway components of the respiratory system consist of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The trachea is a cartilaginous tube that connects the larynx to the lungs and provides a pathway for air to reach the lungs. The trachea then bifurcates into the left and right bronchi, which further branch into smaller bronchioles. These bronchioles lead to the alveoli, which are small sacs where gas exchange takes place.
The function of the lower airway components is to facilitate the movement of air into and out of the lungs and to ensure efficient gas exchange. The trachea and bronchi help to conduct air, while the bronchioles regulate the flow of air. The alveoli are the site of gas exchange, where oxygen is taken up by the blood and carbon dioxide is eliminated.
The lower airway components are also known as the lower respiratory tract.