Question

During inspiration, the air is _____________ and _______________ to 37ºC saturated water vapor.

a) Cooled, humidified
b) Warmed, humidified
c) Cooled, dehumidified
d) Warmed, dehumidified

Answer 1

During inspiration, air is warmed and humidified as it enters the nasal passages. This process is essential for respiratory health, preventing infections, and reducing breathing sensitivity. The humidity and temperature of air are also important factors in environmental heat transfer and bodily cooling through evaporation.

Step-by-step explanation:

During inspiration, the air is warmed and humidified to 37ºC saturated water vapor. When we inhale air through our nose, it passes through the nasal passages where it is warmed and humidity added to it. This warming and addition of moisture is crucial for protecting the respiratory system. The incoming air reaches body temperature and is saturated with water vapor, which helps to ward off infection, decrease sensitivity during breathing, and prevent damage to the lungs.

Furthermore, understanding the concept of relative humidity and vapor density is important for explaining health and environmental processes. For instance, on hot, humid days, the concentration of water in the atmosphere is higher, reducing the rate of evaporation from the skin, which is less cooling than on dry days when the evaporation rate is increased.

Answer 2

During inspiration, the air is warmed and humidified to 37ºC saturated water vapor (option B)

Step-by-step explanation:

During inspiration, the air is warmed, humidified, and brought to 37ºC saturated water vapor. When we inhale, the air is conditioned as it passes through our nasal passages. This process warms the air to body temperature and adds moisture, so it becomes humidified, which helps to ward off infection, decrease sensitivity during breathing, and prevent damage to the lungs.

The relative humidity of air plays a significant role in how comfortable the air feels. It affects the evaporation rate of sweat from the skin. On hot, dry days, evaporation is more significant, cooling the body, whereas, on humid days, the high concentration of water vapor in the air reduces evaporation rates.

Thus, the correct option is B.