Which structures are included in the lower airway?

The lower airway consists of the structures involved in the conduction of air to the lungs and the sites of gas exchange. The correct choice identifies the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli as integral components of the lower airway.

The trachea is the windpipe that connects the larynx to the bronchi, allowing air to enter the lungs. The bronchi branch off the trachea into the left and right lungs, further dividing into smaller bronchioles, which lead to the alveoli. The alveoli are tiny air sacs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs, making them crucial for respiratory function.

Understanding this anatomy is vital for first responders when assessing respiratory distress or implementing intervention strategies such as defibrillation in cases of cardiac arrest where airway management is critical.