Asked by Valerie Avila on Jul 24, 2024
Verified
Contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle in the walls of ____ can alter their diameter and therefore air flow.
A) alveoli
B) bronchioles
C) bronchi
D) trachea
E) larynx
Smooth Muscle
A type of muscle found in the walls of hollow organs like the intestines and blood vessels, controlling involuntary movements.
Bronchioles
Small respiratory airways within the lungs that branch from the larger bronchi and connect to the alveoli.
Alveoli
Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange between the air and blood takes place.
- Examine the architecture and operational principles of respiratory systems in mammals, avian species, and organisms in aquatic environments.
- Illustrate the biological adaptations which improve breathing proficiency, including an examination of countercurrent exchange and how the diaphragm assists in inhalation and exhalation.
Verified Answer
CF
Claudia FrancoisJul 29, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
Smooth muscle is found in the walls of bronchioles, which are the small airways in the lungs that branch off from the bronchi. Contraction and relaxation of this smooth muscle can alter the diameter of the bronchioles, affecting the amount of air that can pass through them. The other options listed do not have smooth muscle in their walls or are not directly involved in air flow in the lungs.
Learning Objectives
- Examine the architecture and operational principles of respiratory systems in mammals, avian species, and organisms in aquatic environments.
- Illustrate the biological adaptations which improve breathing proficiency, including an examination of countercurrent exchange and how the diaphragm assists in inhalation and exhalation.