Upper Airway

• Function: warming, filtering, and humidifying air
• Parts: Pharynx (throat), Nasopharynx, Turbinate, Sinuses, Oropharynx
• Tongue is most common obstruction in unconscious patient
• Roof of mouth separates oropharynx/nasopharynx
• Anterior is hard palate & Posterior is soft palate
• Adenoids: lymph tissue in mouth & nose that filters bacteria
• • Larynx (voice box): conducts air between pharynx & trachea
• Thyroid Cartilage: A bony structure that forms the inferior border of the larynx
• Glottic opening: opening between the vocal folds that allows air to enter the larynx - narrowest part of adult trachea