Final answer:
When you inhale, air enters through the mouth or nose and passes through the pharynx, larynx, and trachea into the lungs. Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, where oxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide is released. This exchange of gases happens due to the thin walls of the alveoli and capillaries.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you inhale, air enters through the mouth or nose and passes through the pharynx, larynx, and trachea into the lungs. In the nose or mouth, the air is filtered, warmed, and moistened.
The pharynx is a tube that serves as a common passageway for both food and air.
The larynx, also known as the voice box, produces sound when air passes through it.
The trachea, or windpipe, leads to the bronchi, which divide further into smaller bronchioles within the lungs.
The tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles are called alveoli.
Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, where oxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide is released.
Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the surrounding capillaries, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the capillaries into the alveoli.
This exchange of gases is possible due to the thin walls of the alveoli and capillaries.