What is the aerodigestive tract used for?
Breathing and swallowing functions take place in the aerodigestive tract. Both tasks elicit a complex, coordinated biomechanical sequence of events designed to protect the airway during eating and drinking, while maintaining sufficient airflow for phonation (Coyle, 2010; Jadcherla, 2012; Robbins, 2011).
What is aerodigestive tract cancers?
introduction. Cancers of the oral cavity, esophagus, pharynx, and larynx, collectively defined upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancers, are the seventh most frequent cancer type and the seventh most common cause of death from cancer worldwide [1].
Does an endoscopy see the trachea?
Upper aerodigestive tract endoscopy (en-DOSS-co-pee) is an effective way for the ENT doctor to get a good look at your child’s airway and swallowing tube, including the nose, throat, voice box, windpipe and lungs.
What does the aerodigestive tract include?
The combined organs and tissues of the respiratory tract and the upper part of the digestive tract (including the lips, mouth, tongue, nose, throat, vocal cords, and part of the esophagus and windpipe).
What is laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma?
Laryngeal cancer: a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the larynx. Laryngeal cancer forms in tissues of the larynx, the area of the throat that is used for breathing, swallowing, and talking. Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which begin in cells lining the larynx.
What is a laryngeal?
Listen to pronunciation. (LAYR-inx) The area of the throat containing the vocal cords and used for breathing, swallowing, and talking. Also called voice box.
What causes squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx?
This type of cancer can start anywhere in the larynx although the most common site is the vocal cord. Most of the time squamous cell carcinoma develops from a pre-cancerous disease called squamous dysplasia. This condition may be present for many years before turning into squamous cell carcinoma.
Which is a part of the aerodigestive tract?
Aerodigestive Tract The aerodigestive tract consists of the organs and tissues of the respiratory tract and the upper part of the digestive tract (Andrews, 2006). The aerodigestive tract includes the airway (pharynx and larynx),
How are foreign bodies removed from the aerodigestive tract?
Direct laryngoscopy and oesophagoscopy are traditional methods of removal of foreign bodies of upper aerodigestive tract. Its advantages include examination of all anatomical structures in laryngopharynx, hypophaqrynx and oesophagus under General Anaesthesia.
Can a symptom of aerodigestive disorder be treated?
Some problems may be symptomatic or indicative of an aerodigestive disorder but do not involve treatment by an SLP. For example, dysphagia symptoms in individuals with esophageal dysmotility may resolve following medical and/or surgical intervention.
How is the aerodigestive system different in infants?
The aerodigestive anatomy and physiology of infants is different from that of adults (see figure below). These differences include the following: In infants, the tongue fills the oral cavity, and the velum (soft palate) is in close proximity to the epiglottis.