Lecture 1 - Introduction to Airway and Airway Anatomy Flashcards
Where does the airway start?
nose and mouth
Where does the airway end?
Terminal bronchioles
The airway allows for […] to and from alveoli
gas exchange
What does the upper airway consist of? (5 structures)
nasal cavity, oral cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx
What does the lower airway consist of? (3 structures)
trachea, bronchi, alveoli
What seperates the upper and lower airway?
Vocal cords (glottic opening)
The pharynx starts at the […] and extends to the […]
base of skull , cricoid cartilage
How long (in cm) is the pharynx?
12-15 cm
What are the 3 areas of the pharynx?
nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx
What are 2 functions of the pharynx?
Respiratory and digestive (swallowing/defend against pathogens/gas exchange)
What level of vertebrae does the pharynx extend to?
C6
What nerves provide sensation to the pharynx?
trigeminal, glossopharyngeal, vagus
What are some functions of the nasal cavity?
Olfaction, respiration, humidification, warming, filtration, secretions, rich blood supply from ophthalmic/maxillary/facial arteries
What can nosebleeds lead to?
aspiration
What are turbinates? What are they also called?
Protruding structures in nasal passage made of bone/vessels/tissues (nasal conchae)
Turbinates are highly […] which can cause lots of bleeding
vascularized
Turbinates spray […] substances to […] blood flow
vasoconstrictive , decrease
What should be avoided in patients with facial trauma? Why?
positive pressure ventilation; air will enter cranial fossa leading to meningitis or sepsis
Which nare is usually easier to insert a nasal tube through?
Right nare
When you are doing a nasal intubation, how should you position the nasal tube when inserting it?
Parallel to roof of mouth (NOT UPWARDS - can hit inferior turbinate)
What cranial nerve provides sensation to the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity?
Trigeminal Nerve (CN V)
What can nasal drainage lead to?
laryngospasm
What can fix nosebleeds?
Cauterization
What are 3 solutions to a laryngospasm?
positive pressure ventilation, bolus of propofol, paralytic
What 3 arteries supply blood to the nose?
ophthalmic, maxillary, facial arteries
What is Kiesselbach’s plexus (little’s area)? What is it a common source of?
Network of arteries located in anterior portion of nose; epistaxis
[…] is posterior to the nasal cavity and above the oropharynx
Nasopharynx
Nasopharynx serves as a conduit for […]
air
What structure in the nasopharynx can lead to ear infections if there is an upper airway infection present?
Eustachian tubes
What structures in the nasopharynx can be enlarged and cause obstruction/bleeding/difficult airway?
Tonsils/adenoids
What 4 important structures does the oral cavity contain?
Hard palate, soft palate, tongue, dentition
What can the patient’s oral cavity provide us clues to?
How easy/difficult airway manipulation will be