Upper respiratory tract Flashcards
Define the upper respiratory tract
From nasal cavity to level of carina (T4)
What is the function of the nasal cavity in terms of respiration?
Warms and moistens air
List the divisions of the pharynx
Nasal pharynx
Oropharynx
Hypopharynx (laringopharynx)
What is the main function of the larynx?
Controller of inlet to airway
What is the carina?
The point at which the trachea divides into two bronchi (at T4)
How does the composition of the wall change from trachea to alveoli?
Cartilage reduces
Smooth muscle increases then decreases
What is the oxygenated blood supply to the lung tissue?
Bronchial arteries
What are the 4 paranasal sinuses?
Maxillary, frontal, erthmoidal, sphenoidal
What are the stages of the cough reflex?
Sensory receptors in larynx and trachea
‘Cough centre’ in medulla
Effector respiratory muscles
What can constant coughing be symptomatic of?
Bronchial carcinoma
What is the nerve supply to the larynx?
Vagus nerve
What level is the crichoid cartilage?
C6
What is the muscle just behind the trachea that can control the diameter of its lumen?
Trachealis (smooth muscle)
Which bronchus is wider and more vertical?
Right bronchus
