What carries air to the lungs and branches into the left and right bronchi?

The trachea, often referred to as the windpipe, is the primary airway that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi, which then lead into the lungs. Its main function is to transport air to and from the lungs during breathing. The trachea is a tube supported by cartilage rings that keep it open and allows for an unobstructed passage of air.

As it descends into the thoracic cavity, the trachea bifurcates into two main branches: the right and left bronchi, each leading into one of the lungs. This anatomical structure is essential for efficient gas exchange, as it ensures that air can reach the alveoli where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

While the mouth does play a role in the breathing process by serving as an alternative pathway for air intake, it is not the primary conduit to the lower respiratory system, which is the function of the trachea. Similarly, bronchioles are smaller branches that arise from the bronchi and further distribute air into the lungs; they do not directly carry air to the lungs from the outside. The mediastinum, which is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity, contains the trachea but is not