NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

Which of the following is part of the upper respiratory system?

1. Trachea

2. Lungs

3. Nasal/Sinus Cavity

4. Diaphragm

The correct answer is: Nasal/Sinus Cavity

The nasal and sinus cavity plays a crucial role as part of the upper respiratory system, which is responsible for filtering, warming, and humidifying the air we breathe. The nasal cavity, with its complex structures and mucus lining, traps particles and pathogens, while the sinuses help to lighten the skull and produce mucus. This area is vital for the initial processes of respiration, making it an integral component in this system. In contrast, the trachea is considered part of the lower respiratory system, as it connects the upper respiratory passages to the lungs. The lungs themselves are also classified as part of the lower respiratory system, where the gas exchange occurs. Finally, the diaphragm is a muscle associated with the respiratory process but is not classified under the respiratory system itself; rather, it functions to facilitate breathing by contracting and relaxing to change pressure in the thoracic cavity. Thus, the nasal and sinus cavity is correctly identified as part of the upper respiratory system due to its fundamental role in preparing the air for the lungs.