The Head and Throat:
- This section of the respiratory system includes the nasal and oral cavity, pharynx, larynx (voice box), tongue, epiglottis, and trachea.
- The epiglottis is extremely important. It is a flap of cartilage that makes sure the food goes down the esophagus and air goes down the trachea. If the epiglottis fails, it causes aspiration.
- Air is taken in from the nose or mouth and travels through the pharynx, larynx, trachea, and eventually the bronchial tubes into the lungs
- Cilia (small hairs) in the respiratory tract act as a brush, collecting large foreign particles that are inhaled
References:
- www.wikipedia.org
- www.webmd.com
- answers.yahoo.com