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Questions and Answers
What is one of the primary functions of the upper airway?
Which component is NOT part of the outer portion of the nose?
What structure separates the nasal cavity into two parts?
What is the role of the paranasal sinuses?
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Which part of the pharynx is located posterior to the nasal cavity?
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What are turbinates or conchae responsible for in the nasal cavity?
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Which structure closes the opening between the nasal and oropharynx during swallowing?
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What is the main function of the Eustachian tube located in the nasopharynx?
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What structure serves as the first line of defense for the tracheobronchial tree?
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Which component is NOT a primary function of the nose?
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How do paranasal sinuses contribute to the nasal cavity?
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Which of the following structures is part of the internal portion of the nose?
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What is the role of turbinates or conchae in the nasal cavity?
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Which part of the upper airway is responsible for equalizing pressure in the middle ear?
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What component is located between the soft palate and the base of the tongue?
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Which of the following is associated with the outer portion of the nose?
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During swallowing, which structure moves upward and backward?
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What forms the posterior section of the nasal septum?
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Study Notes
Upper Airway Overview
- Comprised of the nose, oral cavity, and pharynx.
- Main functions include air conduction, filtering, speech production, and olfaction (smell).
Nose Functions and Structure
- Primary Functions: Filters, humidifies, and warms inspired air.
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Outer Nose Structure:
- Upper third: nasal bones and frontal process of maxilla.
- Lower two thirds: lateral nasal cartilage, greater and lesser alar cartilages, septal cartilage, fibrous fatty tissue.
Inner Nose Details
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Nasal Septum: Divides nasal cavity into two sides.
- Posterior formed by the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and vomer.
- Anterior formed by septal cartilage.
- Roof formed by nasal bones, frontal process of maxilla, and cribiform plate of the ethmoidal bone.
- Floor formed by palatine process of maxilla and palatine bones.
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Air Conduction:
- Nares (nostrils) and vestibule with hair follicles (vibrissae).
- Nasal passages (choanae) include turbinates/conchae, which increase surface area for gas contact, aiding in humidity and heat addition.
Paranasal Sinuses
- Air-filled cavities connected to the nasal cavity.
- Include maxillary, frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses.
- Functions: provide mucus for nasal lubrication and act as resonating chambers for sound production.
Oral Cavity Functions
- Acts as an accessory respiratory passage.
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Roof Structure:
- Hard palate formed by maxilla palatine processes and palatine bones.
- Soft palate, composed of collagen ending in the uvula, moves to close off the nasal passage during swallowing, sucking, or blowing.
- Palatine Tonsils: Located in the oral cavity, contribute to immune response.
Pharynx Divisions
- Divided into three sections:
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Nasopharynx:
- Posterior to nasal cavity; contains pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids) and Eustachian tubes for middle ear pressure equalization.
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Oropharynx:
- Located between the soft palate and base of the tongue; contains lingual tonsil at the tongue root.
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Laryngopharynx:
- Between the base of the tongue and esophagus entrance; epiglottis positioned anteriorly.
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Nasopharynx:
Intubation Considerations
- Intubation is performed to bypass the upper airway.
- Must ensure warm and humidified air to prevent:
- Excessive secretions.
- Partial or full airway obstruction, potentially leading to mucus plugs and air trapping.
Upper Airway Overview
- Comprises the nose, oral cavity, and pharynx.
- Key functions include air conduction, filtration, speech facilitation, and olfaction.
Nose
- Primary functions are filtration, humidification, and warming of inspired air.
Anatomy of the Outer Nose
- Composed of bone and cartilage.
- Upper third (bridge): nasal bones and frontal process of the maxilla.
- Lower two thirds: consists of lateral nasal cartilage, greater and lesser alar cartilages, septal cartilage, and fibrous fatty tissue.
Anatomy of the Internal Nose
- Nasal septum divides the nasal cavity into two parts.
- Posteriorly formed by the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and vomer; anteriorly by the septal cartilage.
- Roof: includes nasal bones, frontal process of the maxilla, and cribiform plate of the ethmoidal bone.
- Floor: palatine process of the maxilla and palatine bones.
Nasal Cavity
- Air conduction occurs through nares (nostrils) and vestibule containing vibrissae (hair follicles).
- Turbinates (conchae) increase contact area for inspired gas, adding humidity and heat.
Paranasal Sinuses
- Communicate with the nasal cavity; include maxillary, frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses.
- Provide mucus for lubrication and act as resonating chambers for sound production.
Oral Cavity
- Acts as an accessory respiratory passage.
- Roof composed of the hard palate (maxilla and palatine bones) and soft palate (collagen mass ending with uvula).
- The soft palate moves to close off the nasal passage during swallowing, sucking, or blowing.
- Contains palatine tonsils.
Pharynx
- Divided into three sections: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
Nasopharynx
- Located posterior to the nasal cavity.
- Houses pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids) and Eustachian tubes to equalize pressure in the middle ear.
Oropharynx
- Positioned between the soft palate and the base of the tongue.
- Contains the lingual tonsil at the root of the tongue.
Laryngopharynx
- Sits between the base of the tongue and the entrance to the esophagus.
- The epiglottis is located anteriorly.
Intubation Considerations
- Bypasses the upper airway, requiring warming and humidification of inspired air.
- Inadequate humidification can lead to excessive secretions and potential airway obstruction (partial or full).
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Description
Explore the components and primary functions of the upper airway, including the nose, oral cavity, and pharynx. Learn how these structures contribute to air conduction, filtration, speech, and sense of smell. This quiz will test your knowledge on the anatomy and roles of the upper airway.
