Airway Management: Upper Airway Anatomy

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary functions of the upper airway?

To filter sound waves

To raise body temperature

To serve as a passageway for food

To humidify and warm the inspired air (correct)

Which type of epithelium lines the anterior one-third of the nasal cavity?

Stratified squamous epithelium

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium

Non-ciliated stratified squamous epithelium (correct)

What role does the epiglottis serve in the larynx?

It regulates airflow into the trachea

It prevents aspiration of solids and liquids (correct)

It connects the larynx to the pharynx

It generates sound for speech

What is the largest cartilage in the larynx commonly known as?

Thyroid cartilage Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the pharynx is located behind the oral cavity?

Oropharynx Signup and view all the answers

The cricoid cartilage is described as having what shape?

Signet ring-shaped Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical structure is primarily responsible for the sense of smell?

Nasal cavity Signup and view all the answers

Which segment does not belong to the cartilaginous airways?

Bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of Clara cells located in terminal bronchioles?

Maintaining the integrity of the airway epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the composition of alveolar epithelium?

Type I cells are primarily squamous pneumocytes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Pores of Kohn in the alveolar regions?

They allow gas exchange to occur between adjacent alveoli. Signup and view all the answers

What structures collectively form an acinus?

Respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT associated with the formation of Pores of Kohn?

Hyperplasia of Type I cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate length of an adult trachea?

12 cm Signup and view all the answers

What type of structure is the pericardium that encloses the heart?

Fibrous pericardium Signup and view all the answers

At what angle does the right main stem bronchus branch from the trachea?

20 to 30 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of gas molecule movement in the alveolar regions?

Diffusion Signup and view all the answers

Which type of alveolar cell is primarily responsible for producing pulmonary surfactant?

Type II Cell Signup and view all the answers

What structure forms the bifurcation point at the base of the trachea?

Carina Signup and view all the answers

How much cartilage remains in bronchioles that are less than 1 mm in diameter?

Cartilage is absent Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the tracheobronchial tree diminishes in size as the airways extend into the lungs?

Cartilaginous layer Signup and view all the answers

Which bronchi are classified as the second generation of the tracheobronchial tree?

Lobar bronchi Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of bronchioles in relation to connective tissue?

Completely devoid of connective tissue sheaths Signup and view all the answers

What diameter range do subsegmental bronchi fall within?

1 to 4 mm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Upper Airway

Comprises the nose, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx.
Functions: conducts air, humidifies and warms air, prevents foreign materials from entering tracheobronchial tree, facilitates speech and smell.

Nose

Filters, humidifies, and warms inspired air.
Important for smell and resonance in phonation.
Lined by stratified squamous epithelium (anterior one-third) and pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium (posterior two-thirds).

Oral Cavity

Houses anterior two-thirds of the tongue; posterior tongue is anchored to hyoid bone and mandible.
Levator veli palatinum muscle elevates the soft palate; palatopharyngeal muscles draw it forward and downward.
Lined with non-ciliated stratified squamous epithelium.

Pharynx

Divided into three regions: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Larynx

Acts as the voice box located between the base of the tongue and the upper end of the trachea.
Functions: passageway for air, protective mechanism against aspiration, sound generation for speech.
Contains thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple), epiglottis (prevents aspiration), and cricoid cartilage (signet ring shape).

Lower Airways

Consists of two major forms: cartilaginous airways (conduct air) and non-cartilaginous airways (conduct air and facilitate gas exchange).

Cartilaginous Airways

Trachea: extends from cricoid cartilage to the manubrium; approximately 12 cm long, 2 cm in diameter, consists of 16-20 tracheal rings, supported by trachealis muscle. The carina marks bifurcation into bronchi.
Main Stem Bronchi: right bronchus is wider and shorter, positioned at 20-30 degrees; left bronchus at 45-55 degrees.
Lobar Bronchi: second generation branching from main stem bronchi (upper, middle, lower for right; upper and lower for left).
Segmental Bronchi: third generation branching from lobar bronchi.
Subsegmental Bronchi: continue to subdivide into smaller airways, ranging 1-4 mm in diameter.

Non-Cartilaginous Airways

Bronchioles: less than 1 mm in diameter, devoid of connective tissue sheaths.
Terminal Bronchioles: begin 12-15 generations beyond trachea, terminating conducting tubes, leading to respiratory bronchioles.

Sites of Gas Exchange

Single terminal bronchiole supplies a cluster of respiratory bronchioles, forming an "acinus" or primary lobule.
Each acinus contains numerous respiratory bronchioles and alveoli; gas exchange primarily occurs via diffusion.

Alveolar Epithelium

Type I Cells (Squamous Pneumocytes): make up 95% of alveolar surface, major sites for gas exchange.
Type II Cells (Granular Pneumocytes): 5% of surface, cuboidal shape, source of pulmonary surfactant.

Pores of Kohn

Small openings in interalveolar septa facilitating gas movement between adjacent alveoli.

Alveolar Macrophages

Known as type III alveolar cells, crucial for removing bacteria and foreign particles.

Interstitium

Gel-like substance composed of hyaluronic acid and collagen fibers, with tight spaces for gas exchange and loose spaces surrounding acinus.

Adult Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology

Heart enclosed in the pericardium, comprised of:
Fibrous Pericardium: tough, loose-fitting, inelastic fibrous sac surrounding the heart.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the upper airway anatomy, including the nose, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Learn about the primary functions of the upper airway such as air conduction, humidification, and its role in speech and smell. Test your knowledge and understanding of airway management essentials.