BSN C228 A&P II Task 1; Dissections

2. Discuss your dissection of the respiratory system of the fetal pig by doing the following: a. Compare the structure of the trachea to the structure of the esophagus. The trachea is a stiff tube connecting the larynx and the lungs and containing several semi-circular cartilage rings. They keep it open for the air passage but allow for flexibility as well. The trachea is straight for the most part and splits into left and right bronchi at its lower part. The esophagus is located behind the trachea and is a long, muscular tube. It is more flexible than the trachea as it needs to be able to transport the food from the mouth to the stomach. At the time of the dissection is collapsed. b. Describe how the structures of the respiratory system (i.e., trachea, bronchi, and lungs) relate to their functions. The trachea is a stiff, cartilaginous tube connecting the larynx and the lungs. Its structure allows it to stay open. It splits into two main bronchi. The bronchi are similar to the trachea in their structure which keeps them from collapsing. Being open at all times facilitates the transport of air to the lungs with every breath we As they are entering deeper into the lungs, the bronchi branch out into smaller structures called bronchioles, which eventually carry the oxygen rich air to the alveoli where the gas exchange takes place.