University:
University of Ottawa
Course:
BIO 1130 | Introduction to Organismal Biology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

274

Pages:

3
Author:

xxzakxx 45

The Pharynx The pharynx serves as a common pathway for both air and food, located between the respiratory tract -(from the mouth to the trachea) and the digestive tract (from the mouth to the stomach). It is situated in the throat area, just behind the mouth and nose. The Epiglottis The epiglottis is a muscular structure located at the base of the tongue. It closes the entrance to the larynx during swallowing, thus preventing food from entering the respiratory tract. The epiglottis plays a crucial role in protecting the airways from foreign objects. It is found at the base of the tongue and is connected to the trachea by two vocal cords. The larynx The larynx is an anatomical structure located between the pharynx and the trachea. It houses the vocal cords, which are responsible for sound production. The larynx is supported by cartilage, The vocal cords vibrate in response to the passage of air from the lungs. Long vocal cords produce a lower-pitched sound, while short vocal cords produce a higher-pitched sound. The trachea The trachea is a flexible tube that connects the larynx (i.e. the “voice”) to the bronchus. Protection of the upper respiratory tract Protection of the upper respiratory tract is ensured by the production of mucus by the mucous glands lining the airways. Mucus helps trap particles and germs that can irritate or infect the respiratory tract, trapping them in a viscous film that can be evacuated by the action of vibratile cilia lining the surface of the airways.