Respiratory: Upper respiratory tract Flashcards Preview

ESA 3 > Respiratory: Upper respiratory tract > Flashcards

Flashcards in Respiratory: Upper respiratory tract Deck (9)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What are the 3 parts of the pharynx?

A

Nasopharynx - base of skull to soft palate
Oropharynx - soft palate to superior border of epiglottis
Laryngopharynx - superior border of epiglottis to lower border of the cricoid cartilage (C6)

2
Q

What are the functions of the nasal cavity?

A
  • Warms and humidifies the inspired air
  • Removes and traps pathogens from inspired air (nasal hairs)
  • sense of smell
  • drains and clears the paranasal sinuses and lacrimal ducts (eyes)
3
Q

What are the conchae?

A

Projections into the nasal cavity which create pathways for the air to flow called meatuses.
There is a superior, middle and inferior concha
There is a superior, middle, and inferio meatus

4
Q

What is the function of the conchae?

A

Increases the surface area of the nasal cavity – this increases the amount of air that comes into contact with the cavity walls.
They also slow down the air so that it can be humidified

5
Q

Name the pairs of paranasal sinuses

A

Frontal sinuses - above the eyebrows
Ethmoidal sinuses - bridge of nose
Maxillary sinuses - either side of nose
Sphenoid sinuses - ear

They drain into the nasal cavity via meatuses

6
Q

Why are children more prone to middle ear infections?

A

In children the eustachian tube is shorter and more horizontal so contents from nose more likely to go up to ear.

7
Q

What are the functions of the larynx?

A
  • guards air passages during swallowing
  • maintains patent airway (has supporting cartilages)
  • phonation
8
Q

What is the rima glottidis?

A

The space between the vocal chords. Closes during swallowing

9
Q

Why may a hoarse voice suggest an intra-thoracic problem such as lung cancer?

A

The recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies the vocal chords. It has a long route - loops under the aorta
The left RLN can be injured in the thorax eg lung tumours causing paralysis of the right vocal chord causing a hoarse voice.

Decks in ESA 3 Class (96):