Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the primary functions of the upper airway?
What is one of the primary functions of the upper airway?
The epiglottis helps prevent the aspiration of solids and liquids.
The epiglottis helps prevent the aspiration of solids and liquids.
True
What lines the posterior two-thirds of the nasal cavity?
What lines the posterior two-thirds of the nasal cavity?
Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
The _____ is located between the base of the tongue and the upper end of the trachea.
The _____ is located between the base of the tongue and the upper end of the trachea.
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Match the following parts of the airway with their descriptions:
Match the following parts of the airway with their descriptions:
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Which structure is commonly referred to as the Adam’s apple?
Which structure is commonly referred to as the Adam’s apple?
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All major airways are cartilaginous.
All major airways are cartilaginous.
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What muscle elevates the soft palate in the oral cavity?
What muscle elevates the soft palate in the oral cavity?
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What is the primary function of Type I cells in the alveolar epithelium?
What is the primary function of Type I cells in the alveolar epithelium?
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The canals of Lambert are exclusively found in the terminal bronchioles.
The canals of Lambert are exclusively found in the terminal bronchioles.
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What structure is formed by a single terminal bronchiole supplying a cluster of respiratory bronchioles?
What structure is formed by a single terminal bronchiole supplying a cluster of respiratory bronchioles?
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The presence of __________ cells in the terminal bronchioles indicates the beginning of gas exchange regions.
The presence of __________ cells in the terminal bronchioles indicates the beginning of gas exchange regions.
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Match the following structures/tissues with their descriptions:
Match the following structures/tissues with their descriptions:
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Which statement about the interstitium is correct?
Which statement about the interstitium is correct?
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Alveolar macrophages are also known as type III alveolar cells.
Alveolar macrophages are also known as type III alveolar cells.
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The heart is enclosed in a protective sac called the __________.
The heart is enclosed in a protective sac called the __________.
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What is the function of non-cartilaginous airways?
What is the function of non-cartilaginous airways?
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The trachea contains both cartilaginous and non-cartilaginous airways.
The trachea contains both cartilaginous and non-cartilaginous airways.
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What is the main structural difference between the right and left main stem bronchi?
What is the main structural difference between the right and left main stem bronchi?
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The last cartilaginous ring at the base of the trachea is called the _____.
The last cartilaginous ring at the base of the trachea is called the _____.
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At what diameter do cartilage structures begin to diminish in the airways?
At what diameter do cartilage structures begin to diminish in the airways?
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Match the following structures with their corresponding descriptions:
Match the following structures with their corresponding descriptions:
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Segmental bronchi are the second generation of the tracheobronchial tree.
Segmental bronchi are the second generation of the tracheobronchial tree.
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What angle do the right and left main stem bronchi form with the trachea in newborns?
What angle do the right and left main stem bronchi form with the trachea in newborns?
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Study Notes
Upper Airway Anatomy and Functions
- The upper airway includes the nose, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx.
- Functions: conducts air, humidifies and warms inspired air, prevents foreign material entry, and plays roles in speech and smell.
Nose
- Filters, humidifies, and warms inspired air; site of smell and resonance in phonation.
- Anterior nasal cavity: lined with non-ciliated stratified squamous epithelium.
- Posterior nasal cavity: lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium.
Oral Cavity
- Houses the anterior two-thirds of the tongue; posterior tongue connects to hyoid bone and mandible in the pharynx.
- Levator veli palatinum muscle elevates the soft palate; palatopharyngeal muscles draw the palate forward/downward.
- Lined with non-ciliated stratified squamous epithelium.
Pharynx
- Divided into three sections: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
Larynx
- Located between the base of the tongue and upper end of the trachea.
- Functions: air passage between pharynx and trachea, prevents aspiration, and generates sound for speech.
- Largest cartilage: thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple); epiglottis prevents aspiration; cricoid cartilage is C-shaped and attaches to trachea.
Lower Airways
- Split into cartilaginous and non-cartilaginous airways.
Cartilaginous Airways
- Includes the trachea, main stem bronchi, lobar bronchi, segmental bronchi, and subsegmental bronchi.
Trachea
- Extends from the cricoid cartilage to the angle of Louis (sternum).
- Adult dimensions: approximately 12 cm long, 2 cm in diameter, with 16-20 tracheal rings.
- Posterior trachea supported by trachealis muscle; bifurcation at the carina.
Main Stem Bronchi
- Right main stem bronchus: wider, vertical, at a 20-30 degree angle; about 5 cm shorter than the left.
- Left main stem bronchus: branches at a 45-55 degree angle.
Lobar and Segmental Bronchi
- Lobar bronchi: second generation of bronchi; the right has upper, middle, lower lobes; the left has upper and lower lobes.
- Segmental bronchi: third generation branching off lobar bronchi.
Non-Cartilaginous Airways
- Bronchioles: less than 1 mm in diameter, no connective tissue sheaths.
- Terminal bronchioles: begin approximately 12-15 generations beyond trachea; give rise to respiratory bronchioles.
Gas Exchange Areas
- Single terminal bronchiole supplies a cluster of respiratory bronchioles, forming an acinus.
- Each acinus contains numerous respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and around 10,000 alveoli.
Alveolar Epithelium
- Type I cells (squamous pneumocytes): 95% of alveolar surface, main gas exchange sites.
- Type II cells (granular pneumocytes): 5% of surface, cuboidal with microvilli, produce pulmonary surfactant.
Pores of Kohn
- Small holes in interalveolar septa allowing gas movement between adjacent alveoli.
- Formation due to desquamation of epithelial cells, normal tissue degeneration, and macrophage activity.
Alveolar Macrophages
- Known as type III alveolar cells, key role in removing bacteria and foreign particles.
Interstitium
- Gel-like substance composed of hyaluronic acid and collagen fibers.
- Two compartments:
- Tight space: site of gas exchange.
- Loose space: surrounds acinus.
Heart Anatomy
- Enclosed in a pericardium; consists of tough, inelastic fibrous pericardium.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the anatomy and functions of the upper airway. This quiz covers the nose, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, focusing on their roles in air conduction, humidity, and protection. Dive into the basics of airway management and essential respiratory functions!
