respiratory tract

Anatomical structure that is part of the respiratory system. In mammals consists of upper and lower tracts.

Тип Organ
Система органов Respiratory
Родительская структура respiratory airway
FMA ID 265130

Часто задаваемые вопросы

What structures make up the upper and lower respiratory tracts?
The upper respiratory tract includes the nose and nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx (nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx), and larynx. The lower respiratory tract begins at the trachea and continues through the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli of the lungs. The division at the larynx/trachea boundary is not universally standardized, with some classifications placing the larynx in the upper tract and others in the lower, but functionally the upper tract conditions (inspired) air while the lower tract exchanges gases.
How does the respiratory tract condition incoming air?
The nasal cavity performs three key conditioning functions on inspired air: warming (blood-rich mucosa raises air temperature toward body temperature), humidifying (mucous secretions add moisture to near 100% relative humidity), and filtering (turbinate bones create turbulent airflow that deposits particles onto mucus; cilia then sweep particles toward the pharynx). These functions protect the delicate alveolar surfaces from cold, dry, or contaminated air.
What are common infections of the respiratory tract?
Respiratory tract infections are divided by location. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) include the common cold (rhinovirus), sinusitis, pharyngitis (strep throat), and laryngitis. Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) include bronchitis, bronchiolitis (common in infants), pneumonia (bacterial, viral, or atypical), and tuberculosis. LRTIs are generally more serious because they involve gas-exchange surfaces and can cause hypoxemia.

Связанные структуры

muscle of larynx laryngeal muscle nasal-associated lymphoid tissue NALT nasal bone nasal bones nasal bridge nasal cartilage cartilage of nose nasal cavity respiratory epithelium nasal diverticulum false nostril nasal hair hair of nose

Медицинский отказ от ответственности

Данный контент предназначен исключительно для образовательных и информационных целей. Он не предназначен для замены профессиональных медицинских консультаций, диагностики или лечения. Всегда обращайтесь за советом к своему врачу или другому квалифицированному медицинскому работнику по любым вопросам, связанным с состоянием вашего здоровья. Никогда не игнорируйте профессиональные медицинские советы и не откладывайте их получение из-за того, что вы прочитали на этом сайте.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.