HESI A2 28 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The main components of the respiratory system are the structures responsible for the process of respiration, which includes the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the body and the environment. The correct answer lists the key anatomical parts involved in this system: the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

The nose serves as the primary entry point for air, where it is filtered, warmed, and moistened. The pharynx acts as a passageway for air to move from the nose to the larynx. The larynx, often referred to as the voice box, not only plays a role in producing sound but also directs air into the trachea, which is the windpipe connecting to the bronchi. The bronchi branch off into smaller passages within the lungs, where gas exchange occurs in tiny air sacs called alveoli. This entire anatomical pathway ensures that oxygen reaches the lungs and carbon dioxide is expelled from the body, highlighting the integrated nature of these components in facilitating respiration.

In contrast, the other options reference systems unrelated to respiration. The heart, arteries, and veins are crucial components of the cardiovascular system, while kidneys, ureters, and bladder are part of the