The Upper Airway
The nose plays a very important role in the upper airway. As air enters the nostrils large particles of dust and dirt are filtered. The mucous membranes of the nasopharynx further filter this air, warm or cool the inspired air, and humidify it.The column of inspired air travels through the oral pharynx to the laryngopharynx. Here it passes through the larynx where the vocal cords are located. The larynx is located at the top of the trachea. When a person breathes in, the vocal cords open, allowing air to pass freely into the trachea.
Normal anatomy of the upper airway
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