Structure of the airway Flashcards
How is inhalation/inspiration achieved?
Increasing the size of the thorax via:
- contraction of the diaphragm and raising the ribs
- creating a negative intra-thoracic pressure
What must happen to air when it in inhaled?
warmed
filtered
humidified
What is the structure of respiratory epithelium?
pseudostratified, ciliated, columnar with goblet cells
What separates the right and left nasal cavities?
the nasal septum
What is the function of the nasal conchae?
- provide turbulence
- increase the surface area for air flow and exchange
What are the 4 paranasal air sinuses?
maxillary (under)
frontal (above)
ethmoidal (between)
sphenoidal (behind)
What are the 3 parts of the pharynx?
Nasopharynx - nasal cavity
Oropharynx - oral cavity
Laryngopharynx - larynx
What is the function of the nasopharynx?
transports air
What is the function of the oropharynx?
transports air, food and fluid
What is the function of the laryngopharynx?
diameter altered to allow passage of air only and to control speech and inter-abdominal pressure
What is the site of emergency access to the airway?
cricothyroid membrane
What are the 4 laryngeal cartilages?
epiglottic
thyroid
arytenoid
cricoid
What are the 3 folds of the larynx?
aryepiglottic fold
vestibular fold
vocal fold
What are the main actions of the laryngeal muscles?
- close/open the inlet
- close/open the rima glottides
- shorten/lengthen the vocal folds
What does the trachea divide into?
the left and right bronchi
