Detailed Anatomy of all the structures of Upper airway

This PPT contains the detailed discussion of the upper Airway.
This also has the parts, blood supply, nerve supply and clinical significance of various upper airway structures.

1. ANATOMY OF AIRWAY, AIRWAY ASSESSMENT AND DIFFICULT AIRWAY

2. INTRODUCTION The airway is the pathway through which air travels to the lungs for gas exchange. It is divided into the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Understanding the anatomy of the airway is crucial for diagnosing and treating respiratory conThe airway is the pathway through which air travels to the lungs for gas exchange

3. WHAT IS THE UPPER AIRWAY ? The upper airway is the part of the respiratory system located above the larynx. It includes the nasal cavity, oral cavity, pharynx (nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx), and larynx. The primary functions of the upper airway are to: - Warm, humidify, and filter inhaled air - Facilitate olfaction (sense of smell) - Contribute to phonation (speech production)

4. THE NASAL CAVITY The nasal cavity is the first part of the upper airway, extending from the nostrils to the nasopharynx. Key features: * N asal septum: Divides the nasal cavity into two halves. * Turbinates: Bony structures that increase the surface area for warming and humidifying air. * Mucous membrane: Lines the nasal cavity, trapping dust and pathogens. * Cilia: Tiny hair-like structures that move mucus and trapped particles towards the pharynx.

5. ARTERIAL SUPPLY OF NASAL CAVITY The nasal cavity is supplied by branches of two major arteries External Carotid Artery Branches: * Sphenopalatine artery: Supplies the posterior and inferior nasal cavity. * Greater palatine artery: Supplies the posterior septum and nasal floor. * Superior labial artery: Supplies the anterior septum. * Internal Carotid Artery Branches: * Anterior ethmoidal artery: Supplies the superior nasal cavity. * Posterior ethmoidal artery: Supplies the superior nasal cavity.

6. KISSELBACH’S PLEXUS Kiesselbach's Plexus: A critical area located on the anterior nasal septum. * Formed by: Anastomosis of branches from the sphenopalatine, greater palatine, superior labial, and anterior ethmoidal arteries. * Clinical Significance: Common site of nosebleeds (epistaxis).

7. VENOUS SUPPLY OF NASAL CAVITY * Venous Drainage: Parallels the arterial supply. * Major Veins: * Sphenopalatine vein * Facial vein * Ophthalmic veins

8. NERVE SUPPLY OF NASAL CAVITY * Olfactory Nerve (CN I): Responsible for the sense of smell. * Tri geminal Nerve (CN V): Provides general sensation to the nasal cavity. * Branches: * Ophthalmic Nerve (V1): Supplies the anterior nasal cavity. * Nasociliary nerve: Gives off the anterior ethmoidal nerve. * Maxillary Nerve (V2): Supplies the posterior nasal cavity. * Posterior nasal branches

9. AUTONOMIC SUPPLY OF NASAL CAVITY * Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates blood flow and mucus production. * Sympathetic Fibers: From the superior cervical ganglion. * Parasympathetic Fibers: From the pterygopalatine ganglion.

10. PARANASAL SINUSES The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities within the bones of the skull, located around the nasal cavity. They are lined with a mucous membrane that helps to humidify and warm the air we breathe. Four Main Sinuses There are four main paranasal sinuses: * Maxillary sinuses: The largest of the sinuses, located in the cheekbones below the eyes. * Frontal sinuses: Located in the forehead above the eyes. * Ethmoid sinuses: Located between the eyes and the bridge of the nose. * Sphenoid sinuses: Located behind the ethmoid sinuses, in the center of the skull.

11. OPENINGS OF PARANASAL SINUSES Each sinus has a unique shape and location, and drains into the nasal cavity through a small opening called an ostium. The ostia are located in different areas of the nasal cavity, depending on the sinus.

12. FUNCTIONS OF PARANASAL SINUSES The paranasal sinuses serve several important functions: * Humidification and warming of inhaled air: The mucous membrane lining the sinuses helps to humidify and warm the air we breathe, which is important for protecting the lungs. * Resonance of the voice: The sinuses may help to resonate the voice, making it richer and fuller. * Protection of the brain: The sinuses may help to protect the brain from trauma.

13. THE ORAL CAVITY The oral cavity is the beginning of the digestive tract, but also serves as an alternate route for breathing. Key features: Tongue: A muscular organ that aids in swallowing and s peech. Teeth: Used for mastication (chewing). Palate: Separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity.

14. ARTERIAL SUPPLY OF ORAL CAVITY * Main Arteries: The oral cavity receives its blood supply primarily from branches of the external carotid artery. The major arteries include: * Lingual artery: Supplies the tongue, floor of the mouth, and gingiva. * Facial artery: Supplies the lips, cheeks, and palate. * Maxillary artery: Supplies the teeth, palate, and masticatory muscles.

15. VENOUS SUPPLY OF ORAL CAVITY The veins of the oral cavity generally follow the arteries, draining into the internal jugular vein.

16. NERVE SUPPLY OF ORAL CAVITY * Trigeminal Nerve (CN V): This is the main nerve supplying sensation to the oral cavity. It has three branches: * Ophthalmic nerve (V1): Supplies the scalp, forehead, and upper eyelid. * Maxillary nerve (V2): Supplies the upper teeth, palate, and maxillary sinus. * Mandibular nerve (V3): Supplies the lower teeth, mandible, and muscles of mastication.

17. * Other Nerves: * Facial nerve (CN VII): Supplies the muscles of facial expression and taste to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. * Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX): Supplies taste and sensation to the posterior one-third of the tongue, as well as the palatine tonsils and oropharynx. * Vagus nerve (CN X): Supplies the muscles of the soft palate and pharynx. * Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII): Supplies the muscles of the tongue.

18. PHARYNX The pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity and oral cavity to the larynx and esophagus. * It plays a crucial role in swallowing, breathing, and speech. * The pharynx is divided into three regions: * Nasopharynx * Oropharynx * Laryngopharynx

19. NASOPHARYNX * The nasopharynx is the uppermost part of the pharynx, located behind the nasal cavity. * It extends from the base of the skull to the soft palate. * The nasopharynx contains the adenoids (pharyngeal tonsils) and the openings of the Eustachian tubes.

20. OROPHARYNX * The oropharynx is the middle part of the pharynx, located behind the oral cavity. * It extends from the soft palate to the epiglottis. * The oropharynx contains the palatine tonsils and the base of the tongue.

21. LARYNGOPHARYNX * The laryngopharynx is the lowermost part of the pharynx, located behind the larynx. * It extends from the epiglottis to the cricoid cartilage. * The laryngopharynx contains the piriform sinuses, which are important landmarks for swallowing.

22. MUSCLES OF PHARYNX * The pharynx has two layers of muscles: * Outer circular layer: constrictor muscles that help to close the pharynx during swallowing * Inner longitudinal layer: muscles that help to elevate the pharynx during swallowing

23. BLOOD SUPPLY OF PHARYNX * The pharynx receives blood supply from branches of the external carotid artery, including the ascending pharyngeal artery, the tonsillar artery, and the facial artery.

24. NERVE SUPPLY OF PHARYNX * The pharynx receives nerve supply from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), the vagus nerve (CN X), and the maxillary nerve (CN V2).

25. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF PHARYNX * The pharynx is a common site for infections, such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis. * It is also a site for tumors, both benign and malignant. * Knowledge of the anatomy of the pharynx is important for diagnosing and treating these conditions.