Airway anatomy 3 Flashcards
Tensor palantine muscle relaxation will MOST likely cause airway obstruction at which level?
a. hard palate
b. soft palate
c. epiglottis
d. tongue
b. soft palate
During anesthesia, the upper airway can obstruct in three places:
soft palate
tongue
epiglottis
The upper airway extends from the ____ & _______ to the _________
mouth & nares to the cricoid cartilage
Airway resistance is _________ in the nasal passage compared to the mouth
2x higher
The primary functions of the upper airway include
warming & humidifying inspired air, filtering particulate matter, and preventing aspiration
The nasal turbinates project from
the lateral wall of each nasal passage (have 3 on each side)
The nasal turbinates are highly
vascular & they’re at risk for trauma during airway instrumentation
To reduce the risk of trauma during airway instrumentation, you should direct the NPA
between the inferior turbinate and the floor of the nasal cavity
Anesthetic agents reduce ______- muscle tone
pharyngeal dilator muscle tone which can cause airway obstruction
If you have obstruction at the level of the tongue, this is
genioglossus muscle relaxation (most common)
If you have obstruction at the level of the soft palate, this is
tensor palantine muscle relaxation
Anatomic factors that impact airway patency include
obesity, large tongue, tonsil/adenoid hypertrophy, and craniofacial deformity
What are the three sets of dilator muscles in the upper airway that counteract the tendency for airway collapse when the patient takes a breath?
tensor palantine
genioglossus
hyoid muscles
Conditions that reduce the diameter of the pharynx include
reduce pharyngeal dilator muscle tone
negative pressure during inspiration
Conditions that reduce the size of the box (head and neck tissue) include
increased soft tissue inside the box: obesity, large tongue, tonsil/adenoid hypertrophy
decreased size of the box: small craniofacial structures, craniofacial deformity
