Which organs are included in the upper respiratory tract?

The upper respiratory tract includes the anatomical structures that are responsible for the initial phases of inhalation, air filtration, and conditioning (warming and humidifying) of the air before it reaches the lower respiratory structures. The correct answer identifies the relevant organs as the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx.

These components serve critical functions in the respiratory system. The nose is the primary entry point for air, where it is filtered by mucous membranes and cilia. The nasal cavity further conditions the air, while the pharynx acts as a shared pathway for both air and food. Finally, the larynx not only plays a crucial role in voice production but also serves as a protective mechanism to keep food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing.

The other options refer to structures that are not part of the upper respiratory tract. For example, the trachea and lungs belong to the lower respiratory tract, which is responsible for gas exchange. Similarly, the bronchi and bronchioles are extensions of the trachea that lead to the lungs and facilitate the movement of air within the lower respiratory system.