Upper Respiratory (superior to thorax)

Question 1

Respiration processes

Answer 1

1. Exteral respiration: O2/CO2 exchange between alveoli and pulmonary circulation accomplished by organs of the respiratory system
2. Internal respiration: O2/CO2 exchange between systemic blood and the tissues accomplished by organs of the circulatory system
3. cellular respiration: O2 utilization and CO2 liberation by the tissues

Question 2

Upper Respiratory Microanatomy (histology):

Answer 2

• mucous membrane consisting of simple, ciliated columnar epithelium
• cilia: move particles toward outside
• goblet cells: secrete mucous coating to trap airborne particles

Question 3

Gross Anatomy: Nasal Cavities(2)

Answer 3

1. drainage site of lacrimal and sinus canals
2. nasal septum: perpendicular plate, vomer, and hyaline cartilage
3. nasal conchae: filter and humidify incoming air
4. olfactory receptors: connected to olfactory bulb via cribiform plate of ethmoid

Question 4

Gross anatomy: Pharynx(“throat”)

Answer 4

Three subdivisions:
1. nasopharynx: receives auditory tubes and contains pharyngeal tonsils, lymphoid tissue screening bacteria.

2. oropharynx: contains palatine and lingual tonsils
3. laryngopharynx: from hyoid to epiglottis

Question 5

Gross anatomy: Larynx (“voice box”)

Answer 5

1. organ of phonation
2. cartilage components:
   - thyroid cartilage (“adam’s apple”); hyaline cartilage that amplifies voice.
   - epiglottis; elastic cartilage that diverts food into esophagus.
   - cricoid; hyaline cartilage serves as a foundation/base
   - arytenoid cartilages (x2); hyaline cartilage that changes tension in vocal cords
3. membrane components:
   - ventricular folds= “false” vocal cords
   - vocal cords
4. muscle components:
   - intrinsic muscles: close glottis; controls tension on vocal cords, determining pitch of sound.
   - extrinsic muscles: move larynx up or down with swallowing

Question 6

Gross anatomy: Trachea (“windpipe”)

Answer 6

• medial airway inferior to larynx
• 4” to 5” long, flattened posteriorly
• lumen supported by 16-20 C shaped cartilages (stiffens trachea/prevents collapse)
• bifercates distally into two primary bronchi