View source for Airway

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'''Editor in Chief''': [[User:Ludi|Liudvikas Jagminas, M.D., FACEP]] [mailto:LJagminas@mhri.org] Phone: 401-729-2419


{{Otheruses1|the part of the respiratory system}} 

==Overview==
The '''airways''' are those parts of the [[respiratory system]] through which air flows, to get from the external environment to the [[alveoli]].

The airway begins at the mouth or nose, and accesses the [[vertebrate trachea|trachea]] via the [[pharynx]]. The trachea branches into the left and right main [[bronchi]] at the [[carina (anatomy)|carina]], situated at the level of the second [[thoracic]] [[vertebra]]. The bronchi branch into large [[bronchioles]], one for each [[lobe]] of the [[lung]]. Within the lobes, the bronchi further subdivide some 20 times, ending in clusters of alveoli.

The [[epithelium|epithelial]] surfaces of the airways contain [[cilia]]. Inhaled particles stick to [[mucus]] (secreted by goblet [[cell (biology)|cell]]s) which is continuously removed from the airways by these cilia. The airway epithelium also secretes a watery fluid upon which the mucus can ride freely. The production of this fluid is impaired by the disease [[cystic fibrosis]]. [[Macrophages]] are present in the airways. These cells protect the airways from infection by engulfing inhaled particles and [[bacterium|bacteria]].

Certain conditions require tracheal intubation to secure the airway.  [[Airway device]]s are used to assist [[intubation]].  

==External links==
* [http://vam.anest.ufl.edu/airwaydevice/ The Virtual Airway Device], a free resource about airway devices, including a video library



[[Category:Respiratory system]]

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[[fi:Hengitystiet]]

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