Preparing for AIIMS Nursing Officer (NORCET), RRB Nursing, ESIC, or DSSSB? The upper respiratory tract — Nose, Paranasal Sinuses, and Larynx — is one of the most consistently tested topics across all major government nursing recruitment exams. This free Medusera video lecture by Dr. Sameer Jain covers everything you need to know, with a focus on exam-ready facts and high-yield MCQ points.
Topics Covered — Nose, Paranasal Sinuses & Larynx
The nasal cavity is divided into the vestibule, respiratory region, and olfactory region. Key exam points include the role of the nasal turbinates (conchae) in humidifying and filtering air, the location of the meatuses, and the blood supply of the nasal septum — particularly Kiesselbach's plexus, a common epistaxis site tested across nursing exams.
There are four paired paranasal sinuses: frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid. The maxillary sinus is the largest and the most commonly involved in sinusitis — a fact that appears repeatedly in AIIMS Nursing Officer and RRB Staff Nurse papers. Understanding the drainage route of each sinus and how obstruction leads to infection is essential for both MCQs and clinical nursing reasoning.
The larynx has nine cartilages — three unpaired (thyroid, cricoid, epiglottis) and three paired (arytenoid, corniculate, cuneiform). The recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies all intrinsic laryngeal muscles except the cricothyroid, making it a favourite in MCQs. Common laryngeal conditions tested in nursing exams include laryngitis, croup, epiglottitis, and laryngeal carcinoma.
How to Prepare Respiratory Medicine for Nursing Exams
Start with anatomy before moving to clinical conditions. Understand the structure and function of each organ first, then map each condition (sinusitis, laryngitis, croup) to its nursing assessment and management. Use previous year MCQs from NORCET, RRB, and DSSSB to identify which structures and conditions appear most frequently, and revise.
About the Author
Dr. Sameer Jain is a physician with over 12 years of experience in healthcare, spanning Critical Care, Nursing Education, and Hospital Administration. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in clinical practice, nursing training, and medical education, helping healthcare professionals develop strong clinical knowledge and practical skills. Driven by a passion for simplifying complex medical concepts, his educational content is clear, practical, and easy to understand. Through his video content, he aims to empower nursing students and healthcare professionals to excel in their examinations, clinical practice, and professional careers.