Upper Respiratory Tract

Question 1

Name the most superior part of the upper respiratory tract.

Answer 1

Nose

Question 2

Describe the functions of the nose.

Answer 2

Warms inspired air
Humidifies air
Filters inspired air using cilia

Question 3

Which bone contains the frontal sinuses?

Answer 3

The frontal bone

Question 4

What is the innervation to the frontal sinuses?

Answer 4

Ophthalmic division (V1) of trigeminal nerve (CN V)

Question 5

Where are the maxillary sinuses located?

Answer 5

Within the body of the maxilla

Question 6

What is the innervation to the maxillary sinuses?

Answer 6

Maxillary division (V2) of trigeminal nerve (CN V)

Question 7

Where do the ethmoid sinuses lie?

Answer 7

Between the eyes

Question 8

What is the innervation to the ethmoid sinuses?

Answer 8

Ophthalmic division (V1) and Maxillary division (V2)of trigeminal nerve (CN V)

Question 9

Where do the sphenoid sinuses lie?

Answer 9

Medial to the cavernous sinus. Inferior to optic canal. Lies very close to pituitary gland.

Question 10

What is the innervation to the sphenoid sinuses?

Answer 10

Ophthalmic (V1) branch of trigeminal nerve (CN V)

Question 11

Name the important vessels and nerves that lie within the cavernous sinus.

Answer 11

Internal carotid artery 
Occulomotor nerve (CN III)
Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Abducens nerve (CN VI)

Defects in the cavernous sinus can be catastrophic

Question 12

Where does the pharynx carry air to and from?

Answer 12

From nose to larynx

Question 13

Which epithelium lines the pharynx?

Answer 13

Squamous and columnar epithelium

Question 14

Name the three components of the pharynx.

Answer 14

Nasopharynx
Oropharynx
Laryngopharynx

Question 15

What is the function of the larynx?

Answer 15

Prevents liquid and food from entering the lungs

Question 16

Name the cartilages of the larynx.

Answer 16

3 PAIRED:
Cuneiform
Corniculate
Arytenois

3 UNPAIRED:
Epiglottis
Thyroid
Cricoid

In total there are 9 cartilages.

Question 17

Describe the innervation of the larynx.

Answer 17

Sensation: internal superior laryngeal nerve

Motor for cricothyroid muscle only: external superior laryngeal nerve

Motor for all other muscles: Recurrent laryngeal nerve

All of these nerves are branches of the Vagus nerve (CN X)

Question 18

Which part of the pharynx does the Eustachian tube open into?

Answer 18

Nasopharynx. Eustachian tube provides air to middle ear.

Question 19

Name the organs of the upper respiratory tract.

Answer 19

Nose
Pharynx
Larynx