Structures of the upper and lower airways

Question 1

What is the most superior part of the respiratory system

Answer 1

The nose

Question 2

Name 4 functions of the nose

Answer 2

Modifying the temperature of inspired air
Modifying the humidity
Acts as a filter
As a form of defence

Question 3

What feature of the nose allows it to act as a form of defence? (detailed)

Answer 3

The cilia (little hairs) take particulates to the back to be swallowed - the GI tract will likely kill any harmful pathogens (due to high stomach pH).

Question 4

What is the name of the features in the nose that increase the surface area?

Answer 4

Turbinate’s - split into 3 meatus

Question 5

What is the superior meatus (nose) comprised of?

Answer 5

Olfactory epithelium
Cribriform Plate
Sphenoid sinus

Question 6

What is the middle meatus (nose) comprised of?

Answer 6

Sinus openings (frontal, maxillary and ethmoid)

Question 7

What is the inferior meatus (nose) comprised of?

Answer 7

Nasolacrimal duct

Question 8

How many different paranasal sinus types are there?

Answer 8

4

Question 9

What are the names of the different types of (paranasal) sinuses?

Answer 9

Frontal, Maxillary, Ethmoid and Sphenoid

Question 10

What is the purpose of the paranasal sinuses?

Answer 10

Evagination (‘turn inside out’) of mucous membrane from the nasal cavity

Question 11

Where is the frontal sinus located?

Answer 11

Anterior to the frontal lobe of the brain, within the frontal bone, either side of the midline septum (separates the right and left airways).

Question 12

Which nerves supply the frontal sinuses?

Answer 12

Ophthalmic division of V nerve

Question 13

Where are the maxillary sinuses located?

Answer 13

Within the body of the maxilla.

Question 14

Where does the maxillary sinus drain into?

Answer 14

The middle meatus

Question 15

Where are the ethmoid sinuses located?

Answer 15

Between the eyes

Question 16

What is special about the structure of the ethmoid sinuses?

Answer 16

They are a labyrinth with air spaces between the cells

Question 17

What is special about the structure of the maxillary sinuses?

Answer 17

They are pyramidal

Question 18

Which nerves supply the maxillary sinus?(not essential)

Answer 18

trigeminal nerve, the infraorbital nerve, and the greater palatine nerves

Question 19

Which nerves supply the ethmoid sinus

Answer 19

ophthalmic and maxillary V nerve

Question 20

Which nerves supply the sphenoid sinuses?

Answer 20

ophthalmic and maxillary V nerve

Question 21

Where are the sphenoid sinuses found?

Answer 21

Medial to the cavernous sinus and is Inferior to optic canal, dura and pituitary gland.

Question 22

Where does the sphenoid sinus drain into?

Answer 22

The superior meatus

Question 23

What is the basic structure of the pharynx?

Answer 23

A fibromuscular tube lined with squamous and columnar ciliated epithelium. It also has mucous glands

Question 24

What are the 3 components of the pharynx called?

Answer 24

Nasopharynx
Oropharynx
Laryngopharynx

Question 25

Where are the pharyngeal tonsils located in relation to the nasopharynx?

Answer 25

On the posterior wall

Question 26

What is the purpose of the eustachian tube orifices in the nasopharynx?

Answer 26

To supply air to the middle ear.

Question 27

Where are the palatine tonsils located in relation to the oropharynx?

Answer 27

On the lateral wall

Question 28

What are the names of the two types of folds found in the oropharynx?

Answer 28

Palatoglossal folds

Palatopharyngeal

Question 29

What is the function of the larynx? and how does it complete this?

Answer 29

To prevents liquids and foods entering the lungs. By providing a valvular structure.

Question 30

How many cartilages does the larynx have?

Answer 30

9

Question 31

What are the names of the cartilages that make up the larynx? (9)

Answer 31

Epiglottis (1)
Thyroid (1)
Cricoid (1)
Cuneiform (2)
Corniculate (2)
Arytenoid (2)