air passages

In biology, the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. When a breath is taken, air passes through high narrow passages on each side of the nose where it is warmed and moistened and particles of dust are removed. Food and air passages meet and cross in the pharynx. The larynx lies in front of the lower part of the pharynx and it is the organ where the voice is produced using the vocal cords. The air passes the glottis (the opening between the vocal cords) and enters the trachea. The trachea leads into the chest and divides above the heart into two bronchi. The bronchi carry the air to the lungs and they subdivide to form a succession of fine tubes and, eventually, a network of capillaries that allow the exchange of gases between the inspired air and the blood.