Respiratory Airway Anatomy Flashcards
Which Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve is more susceptible to injury?
- Left RLN
- due to location in the thorax
The adult larynx extends to what cervical levels?
C3-C6
What are the paired cartilages of the larynx?
- corniculates
- cuneiforms
- arytenoids
What are the unpaired cartilages of the larynx?
- epiglottis
- thyroid
- cricoid
Do hyperventilation and hypocapnia increase or decrease risk of laryngospasm?
increase
PaO2 less than what number reduces the likelihood of laryngospasm?
50
What is the function of the tensor palatine?
opens nasopharynx (soft palate)
What is the function of the genioglossus?
opens oropharynx (tongue)
What is the function of the hyoid muscles?
opens hypopharynx (epiglottis)
What are the structures define the lower airway?
- begins at the trachea and ends at the alveoli
Where does the trachea begin and end?
- C6
- T4-5 (at the carina)
What is the sensory innervation to the trachea?
vagus
What is the blood supply to the trachea?
- inferior thyroid a.
- superior thyroid a.
- bronchial a.
- internal thoracic a.
What is the function of Type I pneumocytes?
- provide surface for gas exchange
What is the function of Type II pneumocytes?
- produce surfactant
- can produce Type I cells
What is the function of Type III pneumocytes?
- macrophages
- fight lung infection
- produce inflammatory response
- neutrophils are present in alveolus in smokers and acute lung injury
What is the distance from the incisors to the carina?
26 cm
In children up to 3 yrs of age the bronchi take off at what degrees?
both take off at 55 degrees from long axis of trachea
What are characteristics that increase as the airway bifurcates?
- # of airways
- cross sectional area
- muscular layer
What decreases as the airway bifurcates?
- airflow velocity
- amount of cartilage
- Goblet cells (produce mucus)
- Ciliated cells (clears mucus)
