The purpose of cartilage rings in the trachea is to make sure thatAir is filteredAir is at room temperatureAir passage does not collapseAir is free of microbes

Understanding the Question

The question is asking about the purpose of cartilage rings in the trachea, which is a structure in the respiratory system.

Breakdown of Possible Answers

1. Air is filtered: This option suggests that cartilage rings play a role in filtering air.
2. Air is at room temperature: This option indicates that cartilage rings are responsible for maintaining the temperature of air.
3. Air passage does not collapse: This option implies that the rings provide structural support to keep the trachea open.
4. Air is free of microbes: This option refers to the sterilization of air, possibly by the mucous membranes.

Analyzing Each Option

• Air is filtered: While filtering does occur in the respiratory system, it is primarily the job of the mucous membranes and cilia, not the cartilage rings.
• Air is at room temperature: The trachea does help warm air but the cartilage rings do not regulate temperature.
• Air passage does not collapse: This is the primary function of the cartilage rings, as they provide rigidity and prevent the trachea from collapsing, allowing for unobstructed airflow.
• Air is free of microbes: While there are mechanisms for trapping microbes in the respiratory tract, this is not a direct function of the cartilage rings.

Conclusion

Given the analysis of the options, the most accurate statement about the purpose of cartilage rings in the trachea is:

The cartilage rings ensure that the air passage does not collapse.