title: Anatomy and physiology of the upper airway.
abstract: Normal respiration involves a highly detailed neurophysiologic process that results in the exchange of inspired and expired air through various anatomic structures. An understanding of these structures is important to the clinician involved in maintaining or reestablishing the normal airway. The following anatomic discussion focuses on the features crucial for the establishment and maintenance of a tracheal airway.
authors.affiliation: Kaiser-Permanente Medical Centers, Northern California, USA. richard.isaacs@kp.org
authors.forename: Richard S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Isaacs
authors.forename: Jonathan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Sykes
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D009666:Nose / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena