Respiratory system week 5

Respiratory System Function, Data Collection, and Therapeutic Measures

Review of Anatomy and Physiology

Pharynx Anatomy

• Nasopharynx:   - Extends from the posterior nares to the soft palate.   - Contains openings for the right and left auditory (eustachian) tubes.

• Oropharynx:   - Located between the soft palate and the base of the tongue.   - Contains the palatine tonsils (commonly removed during tonsillectomy) and the lingual tonsils (at the base of the tongue).

• Laryngopharynx:   - Passes dorsal to the larynx and connects to the esophagus.

Larynx Structure

• Formed by nine pieces of cartilage that prevent collapsing, with ligaments binding them to adjacent structures in the neck.

• Epiglottis:   - The uppermost cartilage, closes over the top of the larynx during swallowing, directing food and liquids into the esophagus.

• Thyroid cartilage:   - The largest cartilage piece, commonly referred to as the Adam's apple.

Vocal Cords and Folds

• The mucous membrane lining the larynx forms two pairs of folds:   - Superior pair (vestibular folds):     - Also known as false vocal cords.     - Play no role in sound production; they close the glottis during swallowing to prevent food/liquids from entering the airway.   - Inferior pair (vocal cords):     - Produce sound when air passes over them.     - The space between the cords is referred to as the glottis.

Trachea and Bronchial Tree

• Trachea:   - A rigid tube about 4.5 inches (11 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, located in front of the esophagus.   - Reinforced with C-shaped rings of cartilage that prevent collapsing during inhalation; the open part of the