Did You Know?!
In the European Union each year, an estimated 50,000 children (14 years or younger) have a choking episode.[Ref:34]
Anatomy
The safety of our upper aerodigestive tract revolves around on the function of our larynx.
To see images of anatomical areas with foreign bodies, see Partial Obstruction or Extraction Cases.
Nasal Cavity
The nasal cavity refers to the two air spaces (on either side of the nasal septum) which extend from the front of the nose to the nasopharynx. The nasal cavity filters and humidifies air. In teens and adults, the nasal cavity is about 5 cm long. Toddlers often put objects into their nasal cavities, but usually this does not lead to choking.
Hard Palate
The first section of the roof of the mouth, located in front of the soft palate. The hard palate contains bone.
Oral Cavity
The oral cavity lies behind the teeth and in front of the oropharynx. The oral cavity contains most of the tongue.
Tongue
The tongue is the muscular organ in the oral cavity, used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and articulating speech.
Vocal Cords
The true vocal cords are two white ligaments within the larynx (just below the pink false vocal cords). By opening and closing, our vocal cords help us breathe, talk and swallow safely. Please see The Amazing Larynx page for more info.
Trachea
The trachea, also called the windpipe, is the breathing tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi. Firm arches (made of cartilage) prevent the trachea from collapsing.
Left Superior Lobe
The lungs are a pair of breathing organs, located within the chest, which facilitate the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen in our blood. The right lung has three lobes; the left lung has two lobes.
Left Inferior Lobe
The lungs are a pair of breathing organs, located within the chest, which facilitate the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen in our blood. The right lung has three lobes; the left lung has two lobes.
Diaphragm
The muscle that separates the chest (thoracic) cavity from the abdomen. The diaphragm is the main muscle of respiration. Contraction of the diaphragm muscle allows the lungs to expand during inspiration (when air is inhaled).
Right Inferior Lobe
The lungs are a pair of breathing organs, located within the chest, which facilitate the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen in our blood. The right lung has three lobes; the left lung has two lobes.
Middle Lobe
The lungs are a pair of breathing organs, located within the chest, which facilitate the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen in our blood. The right lung has three lobes; the left lung has two lobes.
Right Superior Lobe
The lungs are a pair of breathing organs, located within the chest, which facilitate the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen in our blood. The right lung has three lobes; the left lung has two lobes.
Larynx
The larynx, also known as the voicebox, contains our vocal cords. The epiglottis is the shield-like structure above the vocal cords. The epiglottis helps divert food and drink to each side of the larynx (into the hypopharynx). The epiglottis usually does not cover the larynx.
Soft Palate
The soft palate is the fleshy, flexible part towards the back of the roof of the mouth.
Esophagus
The esophagus is the elastic swallowing tube in your chest; it connects the hypopharynx to the stomach and stretches as food slides down it.
Nasopharynx
The upper part of the pharynx, connecting with the nasal cavity (above the soft palate).
Oropharynx
The area of the throat that lies behind the oral cavity (between the nasopharynx and the hypopharynx). The oropharynx contains your tonsils and uvula (at the end of the soft palate, in the middle).
Hypopharynx
The hypopharynx is the lowest portion of the pharynx, extending from the base of the tongue to the esophageal inlet.
Right Main Bronchus
The Right Main Bronchus connects the trachea to smaller bronchi, which branch out towards the 3 lobes of the right lung.
Left Main Bronchus
The Left Main Bronchus connects the trachea to smaller bronchi, which branch out towards the 2 lobes of the left lung.
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Overview of Lungs in Body & Upper Aerodigestive Tract
