Anatomy of Airways

Question 1

Functions of nasal cavities

Answer 1

Detect odors
Warm and humidify air
Capture and filter debri (particulates and pathogens)

Question 2

How is the surface area of the nasal cavities increased?

Answer 2

3 shelves of bone (conchae)

Paranasal sinuses

Question 3

Functions of the oral cavity

Answer 3

Inlet for the digestive system
Initial manipulation of food 
Communication
Can be used for breathing
Oropharyngeal isthmus can be closed by the soft palate

Question 4

Function of the soft palate

Answer 4

Valve for opening and closing oropharyngeal isthmus and pharyngeal isthmus

Question 5

When is the face formed in utero?

Answer 5

2-3 months

Question 6

What cavity do you go through to get to the

1. Esophagus
2. Trachea

Answer 6

1. Nasal

2. Oral

Question 7

Choanae

Answer 7

Openings at the back of the nose

Totally rimmed by bone and open

Question 8

Oral fissure

Answer 8

Opening between lips

Question 9

Oropharyngeal isthmus

Answer 9

Posterior opening of the mouth

Can be fully closed off by soft palate

Question 10

What vertebral level do the esophagus and trachea begin

Answer 10

C6

Question 11

3 valves in the upper airway

Answer 11

Soft palate
Epiglottis
Vocal folds