Upper Respiratory Tract Flashcards
refers to the region of the larynx between the base of the tongue and the vocal cords
The UPPER part (supraglottis)
Two major sections of the nose
External nose
Nasal cavity (internal nose)
Which structure in the nasopharynx is involved in the immune defense of the respiratory system?
a) Pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids)
b) Epiglottis
c) Trachea
d) Vocal cords
a) Pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids)
What is the primary role of the tracheal smooth muscle in the respiratory system?
a) Sound production
b) Filtration of inhaled air
c) Regulating airflow
d) Humidifying inhaled air
c) Regulating airflow
[STRUCTURE]
the most anterior part of the nasal cavity that has a covering of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, containing coarse hairs that filter inhaled particles
Nasal vestibule
[STRUCTURE]
the LOWER part of the nasal cavity, separating the nasal cavity from the oral cavity
Floor
Posterior boundary of the nasopharynx
Anterior arch of atlas
[STRUCTURES]
a small cavity connecting the middle ear cavity to the nasopharynx that ventilates the middle ear canal and flushes middle ear mucus into the nasopharynx
Pharyngeal recess (Rosenmüller fossa)
Tube-like structure composed of a C-shaped cartilage ring; also known as the windpipe
Located to neck and upper chest (just below larynx and above bronchi) that is about 11.8 cm in length
Trachea
The lack of proper clearance of mucus and debris can lead to the development of ______, which is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, and it can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
pneumonia
The upper respiratory tract is interconnected with the _________
Conducting zone
[STRUCTURE]
cartilaginous structure that forms the sides of nostrils, keeping their shape and supporting airflow control
Ala (wings of the nose)
[STRUCTURES]
located in the posterior wall, it can contract or relax to adjust the size of the tracheal lumen and regulate airflow
Tracheal Smooth Muscle
Two main functional zones of the respiratory system
Conducting zone
Respiratory zone
It refers to the continuous system of passages that are formed by the respiratory organs, allowing the air to flow into and out of the body.
Respiratory tract
Consists of the structures and organs that involves the movement of air into and out of the body
UPPER respiratory tract
two tiny, pyramid-shaped cartilages that sit on top of the cricoid cartilage near the back of the larynx
They help with vocalization, airway protection, and the regulation of airflow within the respiratory system
Arytenoid Cartilage
Which organ is part of both the digestive and respiratory systems?
A. Larynx
B. Trachea
C. Pharynx
D. Bronchus
A. Larynx
[STRUCTURE]
a bony structure that divides the nasal cavity into the left and right nasal passages
Nasal septum
[STRUCTURES]
located in the submucosa that helps moisten and protect the airway and facilitate the removal of inhaled debris
Mucous Glands
Structures included in the upper respiratory tract
nose, nasopharynx, larynx, trachea
Smoking is a major cause of ___________, characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes and increased production of mucus. This condition can lead to persistent coughing and difficulty breathing.
chronic bronchitis
Anterior boundary of the nasopharynx
Nasal cavity & choanae
This structure of the upper respiratory tract helps with the:
- Sound production
- Airway protection
- Regulation of airflow
- Protective reflexes (coughing)
Larynx
Which part of the supraglottis plays a role in triggering the cough reflex when foreign material or irritants are detected in the respiratory tract?
a. False vocal cords
b. Epiglottis
c. Arytenoid cartilages
d. Cilia
a. False vocal cords
The “visible part” of the nasal structure on the face; it serves as the entry point for inhaled air, contributing to air filtration, temperature regulation, sensory functions, and facial features
External nose
A structure in the upper respiratory tract that helps with the:
- Passageway for air
- Detection and combat against bacteria and viruses that may enter through the nose
- Regulation of air pressure in the middle ear
Nasopharynx
[STRUCTURE]
bony upper part that connects the root to the rest of the nose
Nasal bridge
[STRUCTURE]
air-containing spaces inside the bones that surround the nose, warming and humidifying incoming air; they are lined with mucosa (mucous membranes) that produce mucus to trap particles and microorganisms, lightening the weight of the skull
Paranasal sinuses
The true vocal cords positioned below the false vocal cords that is essential for sound production
Vocal folds
Three regions of the nasal cavity
nasal vestibule
respiratory region
olfactory region
[STRUCTURES]
epithelial lined space above the adenoids that sows the attachment of the embryonic backbone to the pharyngeal lining. Infection in this area causes persistent post nasal discharge & Thornwaldt’s disease
Nasopharyngeal bursa
[STRUCTURES]
reminiscent of buccal mucosal invagination to form anterior pituitary lobe
Rathke’s pouch
[STRUCTURE]
openings at the base of the nose that allows passage of air; formed by ala (plural: alae)
Nostrils (Nares)
also called the cartilages of Santorini, are small, flexible, cone-shaped pieces of cartilage, helping with the structural support and flexibility of the laryngeal framework
Corniculate Cartilage
These are the PAIRED cartilages of the larynx
Arytenoid Cartilage
Corniculate Cartilage
Cuneiform Cartilage
located between the supraglottis and subglottis in the middle of the laryngeal cavity, concerned with sound production and regulation of airflow
The MIDDLE part (glottis)
The following are the main functions of the nasopharynx except:
a) Passageway for air
b) Protective reflexes
c) Helps detect and combat bacteria and viruses
d) Regulation of air pressure in the middle ear
b) Protective reflexes
What is the primary function of the nasal conchae in the nasal cavity of the respiratory system?
a) Keeping shape and airflow control
b) Dividing the nasal cavity into the left and right nasal passages
c) Conditioning and filtering the incoming air
d) Separating the nasal cavity from the oral cavity
c) Conditioning and filtering the incoming air
[STRUCTURES]
the connective tube to the middle ear that removes fluid from your ears and equalizes ear pressure
Eustachian tube opening
[STRUCTURES]
cushion of the auditory canal that acts as a barrier between nasopharynx and middle ear.
Torus Tubarius
[STRUCTURES]
a component of your immune system, protects the body from bacteria & viruses (part of nasopharynx)
Adenoids (nasophranygeal tonsils)
Commonly known as the voice box, located in the neck near the top of the trachea (below the pharynx)
Larynx
The initial point of contact for incoming air
Nasal vestibule
Superior boundary of the nasopharynx
Skull base
Two major divisions of the respiratory tract
Upper respiratory tract
Lower respiratory tract
[STRUCTURE]
three pairs of bony projections on the lateral walls that increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, conditioning and filtering the incoming air
Nasal Conchae (Turbinate)
small and have a club-like shape. Unlike other cartilages, they don’t directly connect to any other cartilage. Instead, they are held in place within the back part of the aryepiglottic fold.
Cuneiform Cartilage
Three main parts of the larynx
The UPPER part (supraglottis)
The MIDDLE part (glottis)
The LOWER part (subglottis)
The portion of the pharynx closest to the top of the head[STRUCTURE]
the UPPER part of the nasal cavity (found along the ethmoid bone, sphenoid bone, frontal bone that house the olfactory epithelium, containing olfactory receptors)
Roof
Structure in the upper respiratory tract that ensures that the air is clean, humidified, and at the right temperature before it reaches the lungs
Nose
During __________: muscle CONTRACTS to expel air
exhalation
Largest cartilage in the larynx composing the front and side portions of its structure, also known as the Adam’s apple. It forms the front and sides of the larynx and protects the vocal cords.
Thyroid cartilage
These are the UNPAIRED cartilages of the larynx
Thyroid cartilage
Cricoid cartilage
Epiglottis
Major entrance and exit for the respiratory system
Nose
The portion of the pharynx closest to the top of the head, about 2 cm in diameter & 4 cm in height and is connected to the nose and oropharynx
Nasopharynx
The ______ respiratory tract provides a route for the incoming air to the lungs, filtering, humidifying, and warming it
UPPER
What is the function of the mucous glands in the submucosa of the trachea?
a. Producing sound
b. Humidifying inhaled air
c. Filtering inhaled air
d. Producing mucus for airway protection
d. Producing mucus for airway protection
During __________: muscle RELAXES to allow air to flow into the lungs
inhalation
Situated within the larynx and is connected to both the thyroid cartilage and the hyoid bone.
Its motion is controlled by the natural force exerted by the tongue, which guides food downward through the pharynx, preventing it from entering the airway.
Epiglottis
a ring-shaped cartilage located just below the thyroid cartilage (mainly providing structural support and protection, controlling airflow and maintaining proper ventilation of the lungs)
Cricoid cartilage
[STRUCTURES]
covered with ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium with cilia that help trap and move mucus and foreign particles upward toward the throat, where they can be swallowed or expelled by coughing
Tracheal lining
The part of the larynx that lies just inferior to the vocal cords down to the tracheal opening.
The lower part (subglottis)
Inferior boundary of the nasopharynx
Soft palate
What structure in the larynx covers the entrance to the trachea during swallowing to prevent aspiration into the airway?
a) Epiglottis
b) Vocal cords
c) Arytenoid cartilages
d) False vocal cords
a) Epiglottis
What is the relationship between respiration and cellular respiration?
Respiration involves the exchange of gases between an organism and its environment, while cellular respiration is a specific cellular process that uses oxygen to generate energy within cells.
Latera boundary of the nasopharynx
Medial pterygoid plates
Superior pharyngeal constrictor muscles
Made of palatopharyngeal muscle fiber that makes contact with the soft palate when swallowing and talking
Passavant’s ridge
What is the primary function of the ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium lining the trachea?
a. Sound production
b. Filtration and removal of particles from inhaled air
c. Cough reflex
d. Producing mucus
b. Filtration and removal of particles from inhaled air
[STRUCTURES]
series of C-shaped cartilaginous rings that provide structural support to keep the trachea open and prevent it from collapsing during inhalation
Cartilaginous rings
Coughing can expel ___________ from the body.
A. mucus
B. food particles
C. phlegm
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
- This structure of the respiratory system helps with:
- Containing mucus-producing goblet cells for filtration and defense
- Air conduction to and from the lungs
- Protection: cartilage ring provides structural support
- Filtration and moistening
Trachea
[STRUCTURE]
it helps redirect the air up to the nasal cavity, creating turbulence
Nasal Conchae (Turbinate)
[STRUCTURES]
located within the nasopharyngeal recess, under the eustachian tube & torus tubarius that transports foreign antigens
Tubal tonsil
Large, air-filled space located deep within the nose that warms, humidifies, and regulates the air that flows through it, also contributing to our olfaction (smell).
Nasal cavity
The false vocal cords that is positioned above the true vocal cords with protective In function but no function in voice production
Vestibular Folds
[STRUCTURE]
lower part made up of flexible cartilage that gives shape and support to the nostrils
Nasal cartilage
