Final answer:
The trachea is the structure that contains C-shaped pieces of cartilage. These cartilage pieces provide structural support and maintain the airway open for respiration. The inhaled air travels from the pharynx to the larynx, then to the trachea, bronchi, and finally reaches the bronchioles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structure that contains C-shaped pieces of cartilage is the trachea. The trachea, often referred to as the windpipe, is an essential part of the human respiratory system, extending from the larynx toward the lungs. It is comprised of 16 to 20 stacked C-shaped pieces of hyaline cartilage, which are connected by dense connective tissue and together form the fibroelastic membrane. This membrane allows for some stretch during respiration and, along with the cartilaginous rings, helps to keep the trachea open during breathing.
Concerning the order in which inhaled air travels from the pharynx to the bronchioles, the correct pathway is: pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles. After passing through the larynx, air moves into the trachea, then into the primary bronchi as it enters the lungs. From there, it continues into smaller branchings known as bronchioles, which eventually lead to the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.