BIOMED TERMS: CH 12

Respiratory System

adenoids

A mass of lymphatic tissue located behind the nose, part of the immune system that helps protect the body from infection. In the nasopharynx; pharyngeal tonsils. 

alveolus (plural: alveoli)

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, allowing oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to be expelled.

the apex of the lung

Tip or uppermost part of the lung. The apex of the lung is the top portion that extends above the first rib, contributing to the lung's overall shape and function. Apical means pertaining to the apex.

base of the lung

The lowest part of the lung that rests on the diaphragm and is involved in the lung's expansion and contraction during breathing. Basilar means located at or in the base.

bronchioles

The small branches of the bronchi that lead to the alveoli, facilitating air passage within the lungs. terminal bronchioles lead to alveolar ducts where gas exchange begins.

bronchus (plural: bronchi)

The major air passageways that branch from the trachea (windpipe) and lead to the bronchioles, allowing air to enter the lungs. They function to conduct, warm, and moisten inhaled air.

carbon dioxide

gas produced by body cells when oxygen and carbon atoms from food combine: exhaled through the lungs. 

cilia

thin hairs attached to the mucus membrane epithelium lining the respritory tract. They play a crucial role in trapping and removing particulate matter and pathogens from the airways.

diaphragm 

A dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the thoracic cavity, essential for respiration. It contracts to create negative pressure, facilitating air intake into the lungs. separates the chest and abdomen. 

epiglottis

Lid-like flap of tissue that covers the larynx during swallowing, preventing food and liquids from entering the airway.

exhalation 

creating out; expiration. 

glottis 

slit like opening to the larynx. 

hilum of the lung

midline region where the bronchi, blood vessels, and nerves enter and exit the lungs.

inhalation

breathing in; inhalation

larynx

voice box; containing the vocal words.

lobe

division of a lung.

mediastinum

region between the lungs in the chest cavity. it contains the trachea, heart, lymph nodes, major blood vessels, esophagus, and bronchial tubes. 

nares

opening through the nose carrying air into the nasal cavities; nostrils. 

oxygen

gas that makes up 21 percent of the air we breathe. it passes into the lungs and goes through all body cells. 

palatine tonsil

one of a pair of almond shaped masses of lymphatic tissue in the oropharynx. (palatine refers to roof of mouth.)

paranasal sinus

one of the air cavities in the bones near the nose.

parietal pleural

outer layer of pleura lying closer to the ribs and chest wall.

pharynx

throat; including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx

pleura

double layered membrane surrounding the lungs.

pleural cavity

space between the layers of the pleura. 

pulmonary parenchyma

essential parts of the lung, responsible for respiration; bronchioles and alveoli. 

respiration

exchange of gasses (oxygen and carbon dioxide) at the lung capillaries (external respiration or breathing) and within individual cells (internal respiration)

trachea

windpipe.

visceral pleura

inner layer of pleura lying closer to the lung tissue.

adenoid/o

adenoids

alveol/o

alveolus, air sac

bronch/o

bronchi/o

bronchial tube, bronchus

bronchiol/o

bronchiole, small bronchus

capn/o

carbon dioxide

coni/o

dust

cyan/o

blue

epiglott/o

epiglottis

laryng/o

larynx, voice box

lob/o

lobe of the lung

mediastin/o

mediastinum

nas/o

nose

orth/o

straight, upright

ox/o

oxygen

pector/o

chest

pharyng/o

pharynx, throat

phon/o

voice 

paren/o

diaphragm

pleur/o

pleura, side of the chest

pneum/o

lung or air

pulmon/o

lung

rhin/o

nose or nasal cavity

sinus/o

sinus, cavity

spir/o

to breathe

tel/o

completion, end

thorac/o

chest

tonsill/o

tonsils

trache/o

trachea, windpipe

ema

condition

osmia

smell

pnea

breathing or respiration

ptysis

spitting

sphyxia

pulse

thorax

pleural cavity, chest