The upper respiratory system primarily includes several key structures that are essential for breathing and filtering the air we inhale. These structures include:
- Nasal Cavity: The hollow space behind the nose that warms, moistens, and filters the air we breathe.
- Sinuses: Air-filled spaces in the skull that help to lighten the weight of the head and enhance voice resonance.
- Pharynx: Often referred to as the throat, it serves as a passageway for both air and food.
- Larynx: Also known as the voice box, it is situated at the top of the trachea and plays a crucial role in voice production.
- Epiglottis: A flap of tissue that covers the larynx during swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the airway.
Understanding these structures is important because they contribute significantly to our respiratory functions. They help to ensure that the air we breathe is clean and suitable for our lungs, where gas exchange occurs.