Upper respiratory tract

The upper respiratory tract runs from the nose to the larynx. It consists of the:

• Nose and nasal cavity
• Paranasal sinuses
• Pharynx
• Larynx

Like most of the respiratory tract, this region functions to conduct air during breathing. The upper respiratory tract also has some unique functions such as cleaning incoming air, creating the sounds of the voice, and protecting the lungs from food or fluid entry.

Figure 1: The upper respiratory tract and oral cavity.