B-ENT

Face and neck: airway and sensorial capacities

1.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem

2.

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp

3.

Department of Emergency Medicine, Hospital Sint Jan, Kruidtuinlaan 32, 1000 Brussels

B-ENT 2016; 12: Supplement 11-19
Read: 1141 Downloads: 793 Published: 03 February 2020

Face and neck: airway and sensorial capacities. For the assessment and the management of face and neck trauma knowledge of the neuro-anatomy and physiology of the ear, nose, throat (ENT) and head and neck (HN) region and structures is essential, as this area is particularly vulnerable to injury. Indeed, the complex anatomy and physiology in this specific area supports important basic functions. In addition, this review elaborates on upper airway and sensorial capacities. Upper airway dimensions are influenced by bony and soft tissues. Age is of fundamental importance in the upper airway assessment, as significant differences in size and proportions apply in children and adults. The cranial nerves (CN) supply motor, sensory and special sensory fibres to the upper airway. Injury of the CN is a frequent complication of trauma.

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EISSN 2684-4907