Week 5 - Respiratory System (Nasal Cavity, Pharynx, and Larynx)

conducting zone

region of the respiratory system that includes the organs and structures that provide passageways for air and are not directly involved in gas exchange

respiratory zone

region of the respiratory system that includes the organs and structures that are directly involved in gas exchange

external nose

region of the nose that is easily visible to others

nasal bone

bone of the skull that lies under the root and bridge of the nose and is connected to the frontal and maxillary bones

nasal septum

wall composed of bone and cartilage that separates the left and right nasal cavities

osseous nasal septum

the posterior bony nasal septum, consisting of ethmoid and vomer bone

septal cartilage

flat cartilage structure that forms the anterior portion of the nasal septum

nasal cavity

hollow space behind the nose

nasal conchae

superior, middle, inferior bony projections to increase the surface area of the nasal cavity and create the turbulence of inhaled air

superior nasal conchae

middle nasal conchae

inferior nasal conchae

nasal meatus

one of three recesses (superior, middle, and inferior) in the nasal cavity attached to the conchae that increase the surface area of the nasal cavity

superior nasal meatuses

middle nasal meatuses

inferior nasal meatuses

paranasal sinuses

one of the cavities within the skull that is connected to the conchae that serve to warm and humidify incoming air, produce mucus, and lighten the weight of the skull; consists of frontal, maxillary, sphenoidal, and ethmoidal sinuses

frontal sinuses

located in the frontal bone just above the eyebrows

sphenoid sinuses

located in the sphenoid bone, close to the optic nerves; an infection here can damage vision

ethmoid sinuses

located in the ethmoid bones, separated from the orbital cavity by only a thin layer of bone

maxillary sinuses

located in the maxillary bones; an infection here can cause pain in the posterior maxillary teeth

pharynx

region of the conducting zone that forms a tube of skeletal muscle lined with respiratory epithelium; located between the nasal conchae and the esophagus and trachea

nasopharynx

portion of the pharynx flanked by the conchae and oropharynx that serves as an airway and it's the openings to the paired auditory tubes(1)

hard palate

anterior portion, supported by bone

soft palate

posterior portion, not supported by bone

uvula

soft tissue hanging from the middle of the soft palate

oropharynx

portion of the pharynx flanked by the nasopharynx, oral cavity, and laryngopharynx that is a passageway for both air and food (2)

laryngopharynx

portion of the pharynx bordered by the oropharynx superiorly and esophagus and trachea inferiorly; serves as a route for both air and food (3)

larynx

cartilaginous structure that produces the voice, prevents food and beverages from entering the trachea, and regulates the volume of air that enters and leaves the lungs

Epiglottis

a flap of cartilage at the root of the tongue, which is depressed during swallowing to cover the opening of the windpipe.

thyroid cartilage

largest piece of cartilage that makes up the larynx and consists of two lamina

laryngeal prominence

Adam's apple (thyroid cartilage)

cricoid cartilage

portion of the larynx composed of a ring of cartilage with a wide posterior region and a thinner anterior region; attached to the oesophagus

epiglottic cartilage

spoon-shaped supportive plate in epiglottis; most superior one

true vocal cord

one of the pair of folded, white membranes that have a free inner edge that oscillates as air passes through to produce sound