College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What is the uppermost portion of the respiratory tree?

1. Nasal cavity

2. Trachea

3. Bronchi

4. Alveoli

The correct answer is: Trachea

The uppermost portion of the respiratory tree is the nasal cavity. This part of the respiratory system plays a critical role in filtering, warming, and humidifying the air we breathe before it moves deeper into the respiratory tract. The nasal cavity is the entry point for air, where it first encounters various structures that aid in the initial processing of inhaled air. The trachea, while a fundamental part of the respiratory system, is situated below the nasal cavity. It functions as a conduit for air, connecting the throat (pharynx) to the bronchi, but does not represent the uppermost section. Similarly, the bronchi branch off from the trachea to distribute air to each lung, and the alveoli are tiny air sacs at the end of the respiratory tree where gas exchange occurs. Therefore, while all these components are essential, the nasal cavity is the starting point in the passage of air through the respiratory system.