What are the two major components of the respiratory system?

The two major components of the respiratory system are the upper and lower airway. The upper airway includes structures such as the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx, which function to filter, warm, and moisten the air we breathe. The lower airway consists of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli, playing a crucial role in conducting air to the lungs and facilitating gas exchange.

Understanding the divisions of the respiratory system is essential for first aid responders, as knowledge of how air travels through these pathways informs interventions in case of respiratory distress or obstruction. The diaphragm and lungs are vital components of the breathing process, but they fall within the categories of the upper and lower airways rather than forming distinct major components. The chest cavity and heart involve the thoracic anatomy but are not directly classified as components of the respiratory system. Similarly, the brain and spinal cord are part of the central nervous system and do not pertain to the respiratory system's structure or function.