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What is the structure of the respiratory tract?

Aug 04, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
The respiratory tract consists of two parts: the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. The nasal cavity is the entrance to the respiratory tract, located in the center of the face, and comprises the nostrils, nasal septum, and nasal conchae. The mucous membrane lining the nasal cavity humidifies, filters, and warms the air, while also enabling the sense of smell. The pharynx is a structure connecting the nasal cavity to the larynx, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. It is not only part of the respiratory tract.

The respiratory tract consists of two parts: the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. The details are as follows:

1. Upper Respiratory Tract

The nasal cavity is the entrance to the respiratory tract, located in the center of the face. It is composed of nostrils, the nasal septum, and nasal conchae. The nasal cavity is lined with mucous membrane that humidifies, filters, and warms incoming air, as well as detects odors. The pharynx is a structure connecting the nasal cavity to the larynx, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. It serves not only as part of the respiratory tract but also as part of the digestive tract. The main functions of the pharynx are to direct air into the lower respiratory tract and to assist in speech production and swallowing.

2. Lower Respiratory Tract

The larynx is the starting portion of the lower respiratory tract, located below the pharynx. It includes structures such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and trachea. The primary functions of the larynx are regulating airflow and producing sound. The trachea is a tubular structure connecting the larynx to the bronchi. Located in the center of the thoracic cavity, it is supported by C-shaped cartilaginous rings. The main function of the trachea is to conduct air into the lungs. The bronchi are tubular branches extending from the trachea that deliver air to different regions of the lungs. They divide into left and right main bronchi, which further subdivide into smaller bronchioles. The inner walls of the bronchi are lined with cilia and mucus, which help remove foreign particles and sputum from the respiratory tract.

The main functions of the respiratory tract include facilitating gas exchange, removing foreign substances and mucus, protecting the body against pathogen invasion, and contributing to speech and pharyngeal functions.


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