23.1 Introduction to the Upper Respiratory System

The upper respiratory system is our body's first line of defense against airborne threats. From the nose to the larynx, each part plays a crucial role in filtering, warming, and humidifying the air we breathe. It's like a sophisticated air purification system built right into our bodies.

Understanding this system is key for nurses. It helps us recognize signs of respiratory issues and provide better care. Whether it's treating a stuffy nose or managing more serious conditions, knowing how these parts work together is essential for effective patient care.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Upper Respiratory System

Nose, nasal cavity, and sinuses

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• Nose protrudes from face contains nostrils allowing air entry and exit
• Nasal cavity divided by septum lined with mucous membranes and cilia
  • Mucus traps particles and pathogens cilia sweep them toward pharynx for removal
  • Blood vessels warm and humidify incoming air
  • Olfactory receptors in roof detect odors (vanilla, coffee)
• Paranasal sinuses are hollow spaces in surrounding bones (frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid)
  • Lined with mucous membranes continuous with nasal cavity
  • Lighten skull weight, resonate speech, produce moisturizing mucus

Rhinitis and sinusitis

• Rhinitis inflames nasal mucosa causing congestion, discharge, sneezing, itching (nose, eyes, throat)
  • Treat with antihistamines (allergic), decongestants, nasal corticosteroids
• Sinusitis inflames paranasal sinuses causing facial pain/pressure, discharge, headache, congestion
  • Treat with antibiotics (bacterial), decongestants, corticosteroids, saline irrigation

Pharynx and larynx

• Pharynx (throat) is muscular tube connecting nasal/oral cavities to larynx and esophagus
  • Divided into nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx
  • Air passes nasal cavity to larynx (breathing), food passes oral cavity to esophagus (swallowing)
  • Modifies laryngeal sound waves for speech
• Larynx (voice box) is cartilaginous structure connecting pharynx to trachea
  • Contains vocal cords that vibrate to produce speech sounds
    • Pitch depends on vocal cord tension and length
  • Epiglottis is elastic cartilage covering larynx during swallowing to prevent aspiration (food/liquid entering airway)