Lecture Notes: Structures of the Respiratory System

Introduction

• Focus on the anatomical structures of the respiratory system using a half-head model.

Nasal Cavity

Vestibule

• Inner area of the nasal cavity.
• External nares -> vestibule -> nasal cavity.
• Contains pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelial tissue.
  • Functions: Beat mucus, warm, moisten, filter, and humidify air.

Vibrissae (Nose Hairs)

• Capture particles entering the nose.

Nasal Conchae and Meatuses

• Superior Nasal Concha, Middle Nasal Concha, Inferior Nasal Concha.
• Meatuses: Superior, middle, inferior.
• Function: Create air turbulence to increase mucosal surface contact.

Internal Nares

• Transition from nasal cavity to posterior nasal apertures.

Eustachian Tube

• Also known as Pharyngotympanic Tube.
• Connects to the middle ear for pressure equalization.
• Associated with Tubal Tonsils.

Tonsils

• Pharyngeal Tonsils: Located in the posterior nasal cavity.

Paranasal Sinuses

• Frontal Sinus: Part of the frontal bone.
• Sphenoid Sinus: Near the pituitary gland (sella turcica).

Oral Cavity

Hard and Soft Palate

• Hard Palate: Bone structure, roof of the oral cavity.
• Soft Palate: Muscle, connective tissue, containing the uvula.
• Function of Uvula: Blocks nasal cavity during swallowing.

Arches

• Palatopharyngeal Arch and Palatoglossal Arch.
  • Fauces: Space between these arches containing Palatine Tonsils.

Pharynx

• Divided into sections, marked by colors: Green, Red, and Blue.

Nasopharynx

• Composed of pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelial tissue.
• Contact with air only.

Oropharynx

• Stratified squamous epithelial tissue.
• Contact with food, fluid, and air.

Laryngopharynx

• Also stratified squamous epithelial tissue.

Larynx

Epiglottis

• Made of elastic cartilage.
• Function: Prevents food from entering the larynx.

Inlet of Larynx

• Air enters through the laryngeal inlet.

Vocal Folds

• False Vocal Cords: Above the central cavity.
• True Vocal Cords: Below the cavity, aid in phonation.
  • Function: Vibrations create sound.

Trachea

• Below the cricoid cartilage.

Cartilage Structures

Thyroid Cartilage

• Laryngeal Prominence (Adam's Apple): More prominent in males.

Cricoid Cartilage

• Only cartilage that forms a complete ring.

Ligaments

• Cricothyroid Ligament: Connects thyroid and cricoid cartilages.

Additional Notes

• Arytenoid Cartilage: Controls tension on vocal cords.

Conclusion

• Overview of respiratory structures on the half-head model.
• Encouragement to subscribe and engage with the material.