An anatomic passage for conveying air into and out of the lungs. Generally, the lower that include passage from the epiglottis to the alveoli and the upper that include passage from the nose, mouth oropharynx and nasopharynx to the epiglottis.
A passage through which air passes, especially the trachea.
The tubular structure in the respiratory system that carries inhaled air through the nose and mouth to the lungs. The largest airway is the windpipe, or trachea. This structure branches into two smaller airways called the bronchi, which are connected to and supply the lungs. The bronchi repeatedly divide into tiny airways called bronchioles. This system of airways is often referred to as the bronchial tree.
A natural passageway for air to enter and exit the lungs.
A comprehensive term encompassing the conduits through which atmospheric air enters and exits the pulmonary organs. The airway comprises the nasal passageways, the oral cavity, the upper segment of the pharynx (commonly known as the throat), the larynx (housing the vocal apparatus), the trachea (commonly referred to as the windpipe), the bronchi (the primary air conduits leading to the lungs), and the bronchioles (the smaller air passages that intricately branch off from the bronchi within the lung structure).
The term “airway” is also employed to denote a tube that is inserted into the mouth of an unconscious individual to prevent the tongue from obstructing the flow of breath. Alternatively, the preservation of an unimpeded airway can be achieved by the insertion of an endotracheal tube into the trachea, either through the oral or nasal route, or via an incision made in the neck, as is the case in a tracheostomy procedure.