What are the two structures air passes through before entering the trachea?

Air enters the respiratory system through the nose or mouth and then travels to the pharynx, which is a muscular tube that serves as a pathway for both air and food. Following the pharynx, air moves into the larynx, which is also known as the voice box. The larynx plays a crucial role in directing air into the trachea while also protecting the airway during swallowing. It contains the vocal cords and is responsible for producing sound.

After passing through the larynx, air then enters the trachea, which further divides into the bronchi leading to the lungs. This sequence of structures is vital for effective respiration, ensuring that air is properly directed into the lungs for gas exchange. Understanding the order of these passages helps clarify how the body's respiratory system functions efficiently. Other options do not accurately represent the pathway of air; for instance, the lungs are where gas exchange occurs rather than a passageway, and structures like the diaphragm and esophagus are either involved in different functions or do not play a direct role in the air's route to the trachea.