Upper Airway Flashcards
what is the upper respiratory system composed of
nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchial tree
how does air usually move
moves into the nasal cavity through the nose
what are nasal hairs used for
to catch and filter foreign substances
what are the common conditions that affect the upper respiratory system
common cold, allergic or seasonal rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, influenza
what is the common cold
a viral infection that starts in the upper respiratory tract, sometimes spreading to the lower structures
what is allergic or seasonal rhinitis
occurs when the upper airways respond to a specific allergen
what is sinusitis
occurs when the epithelial lining of the sinus cavities becomes inflamed. it can be caused by bacteria or viruses
what is pharyngitis
an inflammation or infection of the pharynx
what is laryngitis
an inflammation of the larynx
what is influenza
an infection caused by any of several strains of myxoviruses
what it the most common conditions that affect the upper respiratory system classified as
inflammatory responses
what happens to the air as it passes by blood vessels close to the surface of the epithelial lining in the nasal passages
the air is warmed and humidified
the walls of the nasal cavity is sensitive to what
irritation
when receptors in the nasal cavity walls are stimulated, what is initiated
a CNS reflex is initiated and a sneeze results
