Anatomy & Physiology

Question 1

Respiratory System

Answer 1

set of organs that allow the human body to breathe. Their purpose is to inhale air, absorb and distribute the oxygen to all the tissues, and exhale carbon dioxide

Question 2

Upper Airway (upper respiratory tract)

Answer 2

starts in the nose/mouth and ends inside the lungs

Question 3

Lower Airway (lower respiratory tract)

Answer 3

begins at the vocal cords and includes the lungs

Question 4

Alveoli

Answer 4

tiny air sacs that are arranges in grape-like clusters; location where the lungs and blood exchange O2 and CO2 during breathing

Question 5

Larynx

Answer 5

voice box

Question 6

Pharynx

Answer 6

muscle-lined space that connects the nose and mouth to the larynx and esophagus

Question 7

Epiglottis

Answer 7

elastic cartilage that, when swallowing, covers the superior aperture of the larynx to prevent foreign materials from entering the laryngeal vestibule (trachea)

Question 8

Laryngospasm

Answer 8

serious condition that happens when your vocal cords suddenly seize up, making breathing more difficult; can be reversible

Question 9

Upper esophageal sphincter

Answer 9

high-pressure zone located in between the pharynx and the cervical esophagus where properly placed distal tip of LMA will sit

Question 10

Vallecula

Answer 10

a potential space located anterior to the epiglottis, forming the floor of the oropharynx

Question 11

3 Parts of the Pharynx

Answer 11

1. Oropharynx
2. Laryngopharynx
3. Hypopharynx

Question 12

Cranial nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)

Answer 12

nerve responsible for swallowing & gagging reflex

Question 13

Cranial nerve X (Vagus)

Answer 13

nerve responsible for coughing reflex, motor to vocal cords

Question 13

Examples of key differences in pediatric airway anatomy

Answer 13

1. Flat face
2. Deciduous teeth (baby teeth are smaller)
3. Disproportionately larger tongue
4. Larger, floppier epiglottis
5. Large tonsils
6. Larynx is more anterior
7. Vocal cords are angled more forward