What structures make up the tracheobronchial tree?

The tracheobronchial tree is primarily composed of the trachea and the bronchi. This system begins with the trachea, which is a hollow tube for air passage located in the neck and thorax that extends from the larynx. The trachea bifurcates into the right and left main bronchi, leading to the lungs. The bronchi further divide into smaller branches known as secondary and tertiary bronchi, branching out throughout the lungs, ultimately leading to the bronchioles. This entire structure facilitates the conduction of air into the lungs, where gas exchange occurs, making it integral to the respiratory system.

The other options refer to structures that are important for respiration but do not constitute the tracheobronchial tree. The diaphragm and intercostal muscles are involved in the mechanics of breathing but are not part of the airway structure itself. The lungs and pleura provide a location for gas exchange and protection but do not comprise the conducting airways. The alveoli and bronchioles, while related to the respiratory process, represent the endpoint of the airway and the site for gas exchange respectively, rather than the conducting components categorized as part of the tracheobronchial tree.