The respiratory system is responsible for obtaining oxygen and getting rid of carbon dioxide and aiding in speech production and in sensing odors. From a functional perspective, the respiratory system can be divided into two major areas: the conducting zone and the respiratory zone. The conducting zone consists of all of the structures that provide passageways for air to travel into and out of the lungs: the nasal cavity, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and most bronchioles. The nasal passages contain the conchae and meatuses that expand the surface area of the cavity which helps to warm and humidify incoming air while removing debris and pathogens. The pharynx is composed of three major sections: the nasopharynx which is continuous with the nasal cavity; the oropharynx which borders the nasopharynx and the oral cavity, and the laryngopharynx which borders the oropharynx, trachea, and esophagus. The respiratory zone includes the structures of the lung that are directly involved in gas exchange: the terminal bronchioles and alveoli.

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