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Aerodigestive Tract

The aerodigestive tract refers to a complex of organs that, in total, make up the tissues and organs of the upper respiratory tract and the upper part of the digestive tract. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

* Lips and mouth tissues
* Tongue
* Nose
* Throat
* Vocal cords
* Portions of the esophagus and windpipe

In most cases, it is not effective to classify these organs with different functions together. However, there are several problems that require these differing tissues to be treated as a unit. Cancers of any part of these tissues, for instance, are likely to spread to neighboring tissue.

The aerodigestive tract is also subject to disease and disease symptoms that affect the system as a whole, not just an individual part. Colds, flus, and sore throats are likely to involve all of these parts. Injury to any one will lead to complications in the others. And when things don’t function properly or when something is malformed, the result can be choking, restricted swallowing and air passage, and a host of other problems.

Web Resources On Aerodigestive Tract

Upper aerodigestive tract cancers
Tumors of Upper Aerodigestive Tract

Book Resources On Aerodigestive Tract

Endoscopic Laser Surgery of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract by Steiner et. al.
The Biology and Prevention of Aerodigestive Tract Cancers by Newell & Hong (Editors)

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