Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

Which structures are included in the upper airway?

1. Alveoli, bronchi, trachea

2. Nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx

3. Larynx, trachea, bronchi

4. Pharynx, bronchi, lungs

The correct answer is: Nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx

The upper airway consists of structures that are involved in the initial phases of the respiratory process, primarily facilitating the passage of air into the lungs and filtering, warming, and humidifying that air. The correct answer includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, and larynx, which are key components of the upper airway. The nose acts as the primary entry point for air, where it is filtered by nasal hairs and mucosa. The mouth serves as an additional entryway for air and is particularly important during physical exertion when breathing through the nose may not provide enough airflow. The pharynx serves as a passageway for both air and food, connecting the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx, and allows air to travel down toward the lower respiratory system. Lastly, the larynx, also known as the voice box, plays critical roles in sound production and protecting the trachea against food aspiration by acting as a valve to open or close the airway. The other choices incorporate structures that are not part of the upper airway. Alveoli, bronchi, and trachea belong to the lower airway and are involved in gas exchange and directing airflow deeper into the lungs. Thus, understanding the specific roles and locations of these