Upper airway

Upper airway

The upper airway or upper respiratory tract is the part of the respiratory system that allows air to be moved into and out of the lungs to enable gas exchange with the internal environment. It includes the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx.

Anatomy

The upper airway starts at the nostrils and includes the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. It ends at the larynx. The upper airway functions as a conduit for air to reach the lungs, and it also warms, humidifies, and filters the air.

Nose and Nasal Cavity

The nose and nasal cavity form the main external opening for the respiratory system and are the first section of the body's airway—the respiratory tract through which air moves. The nose is a structure of the face made of cartilage, bone, muscle, and skin that supports and protects the anterior portion of the nasal cavity.

Pharynx

The pharynx is a part of the throat that is responsible for transporting air from the nose and mouth to the larynx in the process of breathing. The pharynx also plays a role in the delivery of a bolus of food from the mouth to the esophagus.

Larynx

The larynx, also known as the voice box, is the segment of the respiratory tract that connects the pharynx and the trachea. It plays a vital role in the respiratory system, as it is the gateway to the trachea and lungs.

Function

The primary function of the upper airway is to warm, filter, and humidify air on its way to the lungs. The upper airway also plays a key role in speech and swallowing.

Diseases and Disorders

There are many diseases and disorders that can affect the upper airway, including sleep apnea, laryngitis, tonsillitis, and rhinitis. These conditions can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hoarseness, and throat pain.

See Also

• Lower airway
• Respiratory system
• Larynx
• Pharynx

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