Enhance your skills for the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam with our comprehensive study tools. Use practice questions, flashcards, and explanations to master the material. Be prepared for your next step in your nursing career!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the function of the trachea?

  1. To absorb nutrients

  2. To connect the larynx to the bronchi

  3. To pump blood

  4. To filter air

The correct answer is: To connect the larynx to the bronchi

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, serves a crucial role in the respiratory system by connecting the larynx, or voice box, to the bronchi, which are the main passageways into the lungs. This anatomical connection is essential for facilitating the flow of air during inhalation and exhalation, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs and carbon dioxide to be expelled from the body. While the trachea does have additional functions, such as filtering and humidifying the air we breathe, the primary purpose of linking the larynx and bronchi is vital for effective respiration. This connection ensures that the upper respiratory passages can efficiently transfer air to the lower respiratory tract, where gas exchange occurs. Understanding this function is fundamental for recognizing how the body maintains proper respiratory mechanics.