Airway Management EMT

Upper Airway

Includes the nose, mouth, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Its primary functions are to warm, filter, and humidify inspired air.

Lower Airway

Includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, and lungs. Its primary function is to deliver oxygen to the alveoli for gas exchange.

Pharynx

A muscular tube that serves as a passageway for both air and food, connecting the nose and mouth to the larynx and esophagus.

Nasopharynx

The upper portion of the pharynx that warms, humidifies, and filters inspired air.

Oropharynx

The portion of the pharynx located behind the oral cavity.

Larynx

A cartilaginous structure that connects the pharynx to the trachea and marks the transition from the upper to the lower airway.

Trachea

The airway that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi and divides at the carina into the right and left mainstem bronchi.

Carina

The point where the trachea divides into the right and left mainstem bronchi.

Bronchi

The two main airways that conduct air from the trachea into the lungs.

Bronchioles

Small branches of the bronchi that lead directly to the alveoli.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the lungs and bloodstream.

Ventilation

The physical movement of air into and out of the lungs.

Inhalation

The active phase of breathing in which the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, creating negative pressure that draws air into the lungs.

Exhalation

The normally passive phase of breathing in which the diaphragm relaxes and air is expelled from the lungs.

Partial Pressure

The pressure exerted by a single gas in a mixture of gases or dissolved in a fluid.

Diffusion

The passive movement of gases from an area of higher partial pressure to an area of lower partial pressure.

Oxygenation

The process of loading oxygen onto hemoglobin in the bloodstream.

Respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli, bloodstream, and body tissues.

Metabolism

The process by which cells convert nutrients into energy.

Chemoreceptors

Specialized receptors that monitor oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen ion concentration, and pH to help regulate breathing.

Ventilation-Perfusion (V/Q) Matching

The matching of airflow and blood flow in the lungs to maximize gas exchange.

Poor Ventilation

Inadequate movement of air into and out of the lungs, commonly caused by airway obstruction, infection, allergy, trauma, or unresponsiveness.

Poor Respiration

Impaired gas exchange caused by conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, COPD, emphysema, or reduced atmospheric oxygen.

Adequate Breathing

Regular respirations of appropriate rate and depth with equal chest rise, clear lung sounds, and adequate oxygenation.

Respiratory Rate (Adult)

The normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per minute.

Agonal Gasps

Abnormal, ineffective gasping respirations that do not provide adequate ventilation.

Cheyne-Stokes Respirations

A breathing pattern characterized by alternating periods of increasing and decreasing respirations followed by apnea.

Ataxic Respirations

Completely irregular respirations often associated with severe brain injury.

Kussmaul Respirations

Deep, rapid respirations commonly seen in patients with metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis.

End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide (EtCO₂)

The maximum concentration of carbon dioxide measured at the end of exhalation; normal range is 35–45 mm