The upper respiratory tract is the part of the respiratory system that primarily includes the nose, nasal passages, sinuses, and throat.
The upper respiratory tract receives inhaled air and helps filter, warm, and humidify it before it reaches the lower respiratory tract. Its structures also contribute to functions such as smell, voice production, and protection against inhaled particles and infectious agents.
The exact anatomical boundary between the upper and lower respiratory tracts can vary slightly between medical sources, particularly regarding structures such as the larynx.
SEE ALSO
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
- Lower Respiratory Tract
- Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
- Sinusitis
- Pharyngitis