1.2 The Upper Respiratory Tract

Question 1

Where does the nasal cavity extend to?

Answer 1

From nostrils to posterior nares (back of nose)

Question 2

What is the septum of the nose made up of?

Answer 2

Cartilage and bone

Question 3

What type of epithelia lines the nose?

Answer 3

Pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium

Question 4

What are the bony projections of the lateral septum wall of the nose called?

Answer 4

Conchae or turbinates

Question 5

What are the functions of the nose?

Answer 5

Filters air
Smell
Humidifies and warms air
Receives local secretions

Question 6

How are large particles trapped by the nose?

Answer 6

Mucous secreted by the epithelium traps large particles. They are then removed by cilia

Question 7

What is the function of the turbinates?

Answer 7

Slow the air flow
Increase the surface area
Mix the air

Question 8

List the 4 paranasal sinuses

Answer 8

Frontal
Ethmoid
Maxillary
Sphenoid

Question 9

List the 3 sections of the pharynx

Answer 9

Oropharynx
Nasopharynx
Laryngopharynx

Question 10

What is the larynx?

Answer 10

Vocal cords

Question 11

When are the vocal cords:

i. ) open
ii. ) closed
iii. ) partially open

Answer 11

i. ) during respiration
ii. ) during swallowing
iii. ) during speech

Question 12

What muscles does the recurrent laryngeal nerve supply?

Answer 12

All intrinsic laryngeal muscles

Question 13

Why is the recurrent laryngeal nerve referred to as recurrent?

Answer 13

It arises from the vagus nerve, curves around the subclavian artery and around the aorta, then comes back to the larynx.

Question 14

Where can viral upper respiratory infections easily spread to?

Answer 14

Sinuses

Eustachian tube- to ear