Which statement correctly describes the respiratory system's components?

Which statement correctly describes the respiratory system's components?

• A. It includes the lungs, heart, and blood vessels
• B. It includes the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder
• C. It includes bones and joints
• D. It includes nasal passages, trachea, diaphragm, and lungs

Answer: (D)

The respiratory system is made up of the airways, lungs, and the muscles that drive breathing. Nasal passages filter and warm air, the trachea and bronchi conduct air to the lungs, the lungs house the sites of gas exchange, and the diaphragm (with other chest muscles) creates the pressure changes that enable breathing. The heart and blood vessels belong to the circulatory system, not the respiratory system, so they’re not considered part of it. Digestive organs like the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder are separate, as are bones and joints in the skeletal system. Therefore, the description including nasal passages, trachea, diaphragm, and lungs is correct.

The respiratory system is made up of the airways, lungs, and the muscles that drive breathing. Nasal passages filter and warm air, the trachea and bronchi conduct air to the lungs, the lungs house the sites of gas exchange, and the diaphragm (with other chest muscles) creates the pressure changes that enable breathing. The heart and blood vessels belong to the circulatory system, not the respiratory system, so they’re not considered part of it. Digestive organs like the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder are separate, as are bones and joints in the skeletal system. Therefore, the description including nasal passages, trachea, diaphragm, and lungs is correct.