Upper Respiratory Tract

Question 1

What type of cartilage is bone made from?

Answer 1

Hyline.

Question 2

What is the name given to the bone growths within the nose required for slowing down air as it enters the nose?

Answer 2

Conchae/turbinates

Question 3

Give 4 functions of the nose.

Answer 3

1. Filters out bugs (mucous/cilia)
2. Humidifies
3. warms air using its rich blood supply
4. Smell

Question 4

Name the 4 paranasal sinuses.

Answer 4

1. Ethmoidal
2. Frontal
3. Maxillary
4. Sphenoidal

Question 5

Name the 3 divisions of the pharynx.

Answer 5

1. Nasopharynx
2. Oropharynx
3. Laryngopharynx

Question 6

The pharynx extend from the base of the skull to which cervical vertebrae?

Answer 6

C6

Question 7

Why is the oropharynx at risk of aspiration?

Answer 7

It is the only portion of the pharynx that transmits air and food.

Question 8

Describe a potential route for infection in the upper respiratory tract to spread to the middle ear cavity.

Answer 8

There is a hole in the nasopharynx that connects to the eustachian tube which can provide a path for infection.

Question 9

What is the function of the eustachian tube?

Answer 9

The primary function of the Eustachian tube is to ventilate the middle ear space, ensuring that its pressure remains at near normal environmental air pressure. The secondary function of the Eustachian tube is to drain any accumulated secretions, infection, or debris from the middle ear space.

Question 10

Give 2 functions of the larynx.

Answer 10

• Guards air passages especially during swallowing
• Maintains patent airway
• Phonation (vocal chords)

Question 11

Give some differential diagnosis’s for a hoarse voice.

Answer 11

• Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury

- Lung tumours