Final answer:
The anatomic airway structures above the vocal cords are the nose, mouth, pharynx, and the upper part of the larynx, which all play roles in air passage and filtration prior to reaching the lungs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anatomic airway structures above the level of the vocal cords include the nose, mouth, jaw, oral cavity, pharynx, and the upper part of the larynx. The nose and the mouth are the primary external openings for the respiratory system, leading to the nasal cavity and oral cavity, respectively. They function in air intake and initial filtration. The pharynx is a tube-like structure that facilitates the passage of both air and food and consists of three sections: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. The larynx, or voice box, is positioned just above the vocal cords, serving as a passageway for air and housing the vocal cords that produce sound.
In the process of inhalation, air travels from the nasal cavity to the pharynx, then moves through the larynx, enters the trachea, and finally reaches the bronchi before arriving at the bronchioles and alveoli for gas exchange.