Paper 2 · Specimen 2026 · Biology
In the human respiratory system, name the tube that is held open by rings of cartilage and carries air from the larynx down to the two bronchi.
Model answer
trachea
Also accepted: windpipe, the trachea
Explanation
The trachea, or windpipe, runs from the larynx down into the chest before dividing into the two bronchi. The C shaped rings of cartilage in its wall stop it collapsing when the air pressure inside falls during inhalation.
Derived from ZIMSEC Combined Science 4003/2, Specimen Paper, Q1(a)