Final answer:
The diaphragm muscle controls breathing by contracting and relaxing to facilitate air movement in and out of the lungs. The trachea is located in the neck and upper chest, serving as the main airway to the lungs and allowing for the passage of air.
Step-by-step explanation:
Control of Breathing and the Trachea's Location and Function
The process of breathing is chiefly controlled by the diaphragm muscle, a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, it creates more space in the chest cavity, allowing the lungs to expand and fill with air (inspiration). When the diaphragm relaxes, the chest cavity decreases in size, forcing air out of the lungs (expiration).
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is located in the neck and upper chest area. It is a vital part of the respiratory system and serves as the main airway to the lungs. The trachea begins just under the larynx (voice box) and extends down behind the breastbone, then splits into two smaller tubes called bronchi which lead to each lung. The primary function of the trachea is to provide a clear and unobstructed path for air to move in and out of the lungs during breathing.