Upper Respiratory Tract

• Upper Respiratory Tract:

  • nose
  • pharynx
  • larynx
  • trachea
• Vibrissae:

  • fine hairs within the nostrils that filter out large particles of dust, pollen etc

  
• Nasal Turbinates:

  • located within nasal cavity
  • mucus covered projections that slow down air flow to allow nose to filter out and humidify air
  • mucus contains lysozymes that break down bacteria and also secrete epithelial cells and defensins
  • theres superior, middle and inferior nasal turbinates

  A) nasal turbinates

  
• • the nasal mucosa (lining of airways and upper respiratory tract) is richly supplied with sensory nerve endings in the nose
  • so if there is a build up of irritants in the nose a sneeze is produced, which acts as a respiratory defence mechanism
• • As the nasal turbinates in the nasal cavity slow down air, it makes sense to breathe in through your mouth during exercise as air will enter your lungs much quicker