Upper airway

The upper airway refers to the anatomical region comprising the nose, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx (throat), and the portion of the larynx above the vocal cords[1][2][4][6][8]. Its primary functions are to conduct air into the lower respiratory tract, filter out particulates and pathogens using mucous membranes and cilia, humidify and warm inspired air before it reaches the lungs, facilitate speech via structures in the larynx ("voice box"), and enable olfaction through specialized receptors in the nasal cavity[1][4][6]. The upper airway is not a single molecule or receptor but rather a collection of interconnected anatomical structures. It is commonly involved in various diseases such as infections (common cold), inflammatory conditions (sinusitis), allergies, as well as mechanical obstructions that can compromise breathing[5][8]. Because it is an anatomical region rather than a molecular target or receptor, there are no specific drugs that "target" it directly at a molecular level; instead treatments address symptoms or underlying causes affecting these structures.

Other names

Upper respiratory tractUpper airwaysUpper respiratory system