Upper vs. Lower Respiratory Tract: Anatomy Clarified
The respiratory tract is divided anatomically:
- Upper Respiratory Tract: Nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx (nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx), larynx (voice box). Functions: filtration, humidification, warming, olfaction, phonation.
- Lower Respiratory Tract: Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli (in lungs). Functions: conduction, gas exchange.
Key Distinction: The larynx is the transition point. The lungs (alveoli) are part of the lower respiratory tract, not the upper.
Infections: URIs (common cold, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis) vs. LRIs (bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia).
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