Respiratory System Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts from the lecture on the respiratory system, including structures, processes, and physiological principles.

Respiratory System

Organ system responsible for gas exchange between the body and external environment.

Respiration

Process of gas exchange; includes pulmonary ventilation, external respiration, gas transport, and internal respiration.

Pulmonary Ventilation

Movement of air into and out of the lungs.

External Respiration

Gas exchange between alveoli and blood.

Internal Respiration

Gas exchange between blood and body tissues.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Includes the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and associated structures.

Lower Respiratory Tract

Includes the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Nasal Conchae

Scroll-shaped bones that increase surface area in the nasal cavity.

Paranasal Sinuses

Air-filled cavities in skull bones that lighten the skull and produce mucus.

Pharynx

Muscular tube serving both respiratory and digestive systems.

Larynx

Cartilaginous structure containing the vocal cords; connects pharynx to trachea.

Epiglottis

Leaf-shaped cartilage that covers the larynx during swallowing to prevent aspiration.

Glottis

Opening between the vocal cords.

Thyroid Cartilage

Largest laryngeal cartilage; forms the Adam's apple.

Trachea

Tubular airway extending from larynx to primary bronchi; reinforced with C-shaped cartilage rings.

Bronchi

Airways branching from the trachea.

Alveoli

Microscopic air sacs where gas exchange occurs.

Type I Alveolar Cells

Thin cells forming the alveolar wall; site of gas exchange.

Pulmonary Surfactant

Lipoprotein mixture that reduces surface tension in alveoli, preventing collapse.

Lungs

Paired organs in the thoracic cavity; site of gas exchange.

Pleura

Double-layered serous membrane surrounding each lung.

Diaphragm

Dome-shaped skeletal muscle separating thoracic and abdominal cavities; primary muscle of inspiration.

Inspiration

Active process of drawing air into the lungs.

Expiration

Passive process of air leaving the lungs during quiet breathing.

Tidal Volume

Volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal quiet breathing.

Vital Capacity

Maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after maximal inspiration.

Hypoxia

Inadequate oxygen supply to tissues.

Hypercapnia

Elevated carbon dioxide levels in blood.

Apnea

Temporary cessation of breathing.

Chemoreceptors

Receptors that monitor blood chemistry to regulate ventilation.

Dalton's Law

Total pressure of gas mixture equals the sum of partial pressures of individual gases.

Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve

Graph showing relationship between oxygen partial pressure and hemoglobin saturation.