Get ACLS Certified Today
Structures of the Airway Video
ACLS Certification Association videos have been peer-reviewed for medical accuracy by the ACA medical review board.
Video at a Glance
- The lung’s function is to intake oxygen and cross it over the alveolar membrane into the bloodstream.
- The functional exchange units are the alveoli and respiratory bronchioles.
- The area from the mouth and nose down to the alveoli and respiratory bronchioles is called anatomic dead space, as it has no role in gas exchange. Instead, it acts as a mere conduit.
- The pharynx is divided into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
- The epiglottis is a piece of tissue that flaps across the larynx to close off the airway during swallowing.
- The trachea is past the larynx, and it bifurcates into the right and left bronchus at the carina.
More Free Resources to Keep You at Your Best
Editorial Note
ACLS Certification Association (ACA) uses only high-quality medical resources and peer-reviewed studies to support the facts within our articles. Explore our editorial process to learn how our content reflects clinical accuracy and the latest best practices in medicine. As an ACA Authorized Training Center, all content is reviewed for medical accuracy by the ACA Medical Review Board.