Asked by: Visnu Ahlborn
medical health lung and respiratory health

What are the histological and functional difference between the upper and lower airways?

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The upper airways or upper respiratory tract includes the nose and nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, the pharynx, and the portion of the larynx above the vocal folds (cords). The lower airways or lower respiratory tract includes the portion of the larynx below the vocal folds, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles.


Considering this, what is the difference between the upper and lower respiratory system?

The upper airways or upper respiratory tract includes the nose and nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, the pharynx, and the portion of the larynx above the vocal folds (cords). The lower airways or lower respiratory tract includes the portion of the larynx below the vocal folds, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles.

Similarly, what structural and functional features are different in the upper and lower respiratory systems? structurally different: upper respiratory system contains the nose, pharynx, and associated structures, the lower respiratory system consists of larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Moreover, what divides the upper and lower airway?

The nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx make up the upper respiratory tract. The trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli constitute the lower respiratory tract. The trachea divides into two branches, which lead to the bronchi.

What are the functions of the upper airway?

The upper airway not only provides a passage for air to be breathed in and out of the lungs, but it also heats, humidifies and filters the air and is involved in cough, swallowing and speech.

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Where is the lower respiratory tract?

Lower respiratory tract: Composed of the trachea, the lungs, and all segments of the bronchial tree (including the alveoli), the organs of the lower respiratory tract are located inside the chest cavity. Trachea: Located just below the larynx, the trachea is the main airway to the lungs.

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What is the structure of the respiratory system?

There are 3 major parts of the respiratory system: the airway, the lungs, and the muscles of respiration. The airway, which includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles, carries air between the lungs and the body's exterior.

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What is considered upper respiratory?

Overview. The major passages and structures of the upper respiratory tract include the nose or nostrils, nasal cavity, mouth, throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx). The respiratory system is lined with a mucous membrane that secretes mucus.

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What does the lower respiratory tract consist of?

The lower respiratory system, or lower respiratory tract, consists of the trachea, the bronchi and bronchioles, and the alveoli, which make up the lungs. These structures pull in air from the upper respiratory system, absorb the oxygen, and release carbon dioxide in exchange.

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How food is prevented from entering the lower respiratory tract?

With the help of the epiglottis (a leaf-shaped flap), the larynx prevents food or liquid from entering the lower respiratory tract while swallowing. The major passages and structures of the lower respiratory tract include the windpipe (trachea) and within the lungs, the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.

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What is the structure and function of the respiratory system?

These include the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs. The respiratory system does two very important things: it brings oxygen into our bodies, which we need for our cells to live and function properly; and it helps us get rid of carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of cellular function.

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Why do we need an airway?

The airway is the most important priority in the management of the severely injured patient. It is essential to open and clear the airway to allow free access of air to the distal endobronchial tree. Once the airway is maintained, it is important to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation through the airway.

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What are the most numerous cells in the lungs?

The ciliated cells are the most abundant. They control the actions of the mucociliary escalator [8], a primary defense mechanism of the lungs that removes debris. While the mucus provided by the goblet cells traps inhaled particles, the cilia beat to move the material towards the pharynx to swallow or cough out.

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Where does the upper airway begin?

The upper airways begin with the nasal cavity and continue over nasopharynx and oropharynx to the larynx and the extrathoracic part of the trachea.

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What are the two respiratory tracts?

The respiratory tract is divided into two main parts: the upper respiratory tract, consisting of the nose, nasal cavity and the pharynx; and the lower respiratory tract, consisting of the larynx, trachea, bronchi and the lungs.

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What are the airways of the lungs?

The airways of the lungs consist of the cartilaginous bronchi, membranous bronchi, and gas-exchanging bronchi termed the respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts. While the first 2 types function mostly as anatomic dead space, they also contribute to airway resistance.

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What is the function of the epiglottis?

The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located behind the tongue, at the top of the larynx, or voice box. The main function of the epiglottis is to seal off the windpipe during eating, so that food is not accidentally inhaled.

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What is the anatomical name for the throat?

The throat (pharynx and larynx) is a ring-like muscular tube that acts as the passageway for air, food and liquid. It is located behind the nose and mouth and connects the mouth (oral cavity) and nose to the breathing passages (trachea [windpipe] and lungs) and the esophagus (eating tube).

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Where is cilia in the respiratory system?

'Motile' (or moving) cilia are found in the lungs, respiratory tract and middle ear. These cilia have a rhythmic waving or beating motion. They work, for instance, to keep the airways clear of mucus and dirt, allowing us to breathe easily and without irritation.

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How is mucus removed from the upper respiratory tract?

Respiratory tract
Nasal mucus may be removed by blowing the nose or by using nasal irrigation. Excess nasal mucus, as with a cold or allergies, due to vascular engorgement associated with vasodilation and increased capillary permeability caused by histamines, may be treated cautiously with decongestant medications.

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What is the difference between the upper and lower respiratory tracts?

The upper respiratory tract includes the mouth, nose, sinus, throat, larynx (voice box), and trachea (windpipe). The lower respiratory tract includes the bronchial tubes and the lungs. Bronchitis and pneumonia are infections of the lower respiratory tract.

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What are the functions of the respiratory?

The function of the respiratory system is to deliver air to the lungs. Oxygen in the air diffuses out of the lungs and into the blood, while carbon dioxide diffuses in the opposite direction, out of the blood and into the lungs.

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EveryThingWhat Staff Editor

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7th March, 2020

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