What structure connects the throat to the lungs?

The trachea is the correct structure that connects the throat to the lungs. This tube, often referred to as the windpipe, is a critical part of the respiratory system. It begins at the larynx (voice box) and extends down into the chest, where it branches into two main bronchi—one for each lung. Its primary function is to provide a clear airway for air to enter and exit the lungs during the process of breathing.

The esophagus, on the other hand, is a muscular tube that conveys food from the throat to the stomach and does not play a role in connecting to the lungs. The bronchus refers specifically to the branches of the trachea that enter the lungs; while it is related to the air passage, it does not connect the throat directly to the lungs. The diaphragm is a muscle located below the lungs that plays a crucial role in breathing by contracting and relaxing to facilitate air movement but does not connect the throat to the lungs itself.