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Environmental health perspectives1990; 85; 171-176; doi: 10.1289/ehp.85-1568330

Comparative anatomy, physiology, and function of the upper respiratory tract.

Abstract: The anatomical characteristics of the upper respiratory tract of various experimental animals and man are described. There are a number of differences and similarities macroscopically and microscopically between the species. Perhaps one of the most obvious examples of anatomical differences is in the structure of the turbinates. Some of the differences could affect deposition and clearance of particles in the nasal cavities. Effects of compounds in the nasal cavity, larynx, and trachea can differ depending on the cellular composition of the mucosa.
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Publication Date: 1990-04-01 PubMed ID: 2384061PubMed Central: PMC1568330DOI: 10.1289/ehp.85-1568330Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research looks into the anatomical aspects of the upper respiratory tract across different species, including humans, noting key variations and similarities that may affect how particles deposit or get cleaned out within the nasal cavities.

Overview of The Research

The study delves into investigating the anatomy, physiology, and functionality of the upper respiratory tract among different species. It particularly scopes on the inherent differences and similarities present macroscopically and microscopically, with an emphasis on the structure of the turbinates as one significant anatomical difference.

Anatomical Characteristics and Differences

  • The research discusses in depth the anatomical characteristics of the upper respiratory tract across varying species, broaching detailed insights into diverse features and their structure. These anatomical aspects include the nasal cavity, larynx, and trachea among others.
  • The researchers pinpointed the turbinates as a concrete example of anatomical differences between species. Turbinates are shell-like bone structures in the nasal passage that serve a critical role in warming and moistening the air we breathe in. The structure and extent of these turbinates may significantly vary among species, which is a focus within the study.
  • These distinct variations in the anatomy could affect the deposition and clearance of particles in the nasal cavities, elucidating why different species may respond divergently to similar respiratory pathogens or air quality conditions.

Impact of Cellular Composition

  • The paper also weighs in on the implications of the cellular composition of the mucosa in the upper respiratory tract. The mucosa is a moist tissue layer that lines certain parts of internal organs, including the respiratory tract. Its cellular composition can influence the effects of compounds in the nasal cavity, larynx, and trachea.
  • The researchers noted that the reactions or effects a species experiences from particular compounds might vary, depending on their individual cellular makeup of the mucosa. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand these variations to better predict and study species-specific responses to different compounds or respiratory conditions.

Cite This Article

APA
Reznik GK. (1990). Comparative anatomy, physiology, and function of the upper respiratory tract. Environ Health Perspect, 85, 171-176. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.85-1568330

Publication

Environmental health perspectives
ISSN: 0091-6765
NlmUniqueID: 0330411
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 85
Pages: 171-176

Researcher Affiliations

Reznik, G K
  • Institute of Pathology and Toxicology, BYK Gulden Pharmaceuticals, Hamburg, Federal Republic of Germany.

MeSH Terms

  • Anatomy, Comparative
  • Animals
  • Antelopes
  • Cats
  • Cricetinae
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Ferrets
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hominidae
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Larynx / anatomy & histology
  • Larynx / physiology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Nose / anatomy & histology
  • Nose / physiology
  • Rats
  • Trachea / anatomy & histology
  • Trachea / physiology

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