Respiratory System of the Head and Neck
Anatomy Terms
- Cricoid Cartilage
- Cricothyroid Ligament
- Epiglottis
- Esophagus
- Ethmoid sinus
- Frontal Sinus
- Gingiva (Gums)
- Hard Palate
- Hyoid Bone
- Laryngopharynx
- Larynx
- Lips
- Maxillary Sinus
- Nasopharynx
- Opening of Maxillary Sinus
- Opening to Trachea
- Oropharynx
- Palatine Tonsils
- Semispinalis Capitis Muscle
- Skull
- Soft Palate
- Sphenoidal Sinus
- Spine
- Splenius Capitis Muscle
- Sternohyoid Muscle
- Teeth
- Thyrohyoid membrane
- Thyroid Cartilage
- Thyroid Gland
- Tongue
- Trachea (Windpipe)
- Vocal Ligaments
Full Respiratory System of the Head and Neck Description
[Continued from above] . . . the respiratory and digestive systems. It allows for the passage of both food and air. It lies behind and to the sides of the larynx, or voice box, which forms part of a tube in the throat that carries air to and from the lungs and houses the epiglottis. At rest, the epiglottis is upright and allows air to pass through the larynx and into the rest of the respiratory system. During swallowing, it folds back to cover the entrance to the larynx, preventing food and drink from entering the windpipe. The trachea, or windpipe, allows the head and neck to twist and bend during the process of breathing.
All of these parts in the head and neck play a significant role in directing oxygen to the lungs so that the body can breathe in oxygen.