What two parts comprise the pulmonary system?

The pulmonary system is specifically concerned with the organs and structures that are involved in the process of respiration, which includes the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the body and the environment. The correct answer identifies the two components of this system as the lungs and conducting airways.

The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system where gas exchange occurs. They contain millions of alveoli, tiny air sacs that facilitate the transfer of oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of the blood. The conducting airways, which include structures such as the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles, are responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs. These airways also help filter, warm, and humidify the air we breathe, ensuring it is suitable for the sensitive lung tissue.

In contrast, the other options present components unrelated to the pulmonary system. For instance, the kidneys and bladder are part of the urinary system; the heart plays a vital role in the circulatory system, not the pulmonary system; and the brain and spinal cord comprise the central nervous system. Each of these options deals with different physiological systems, highlighting why understanding the specific components of the pulmonary system is essential in the study of speech science and respiration.