Chapter 7: beginning terms

These flashcards cover the vocabulary and definitions related to the Respiratory System, including structures, functions, and medical terms.

Nose

The primary structure for air entry that warms, moisturizes, and filters inhaled air.

Sinuses

Cavities that produce mucus for the nasal cavities, lighten bones of the skull, and aid in sound production.

Pharynx

Transports air between the nose and trachea, also known as the throat.

Larynx

Structure that makes speech possible, commonly referred to as the voice box.

Epiglottis

Closes off the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway.

Trachea

Windpipe that transports air from the larynx into the lungs.

Bronchi

Branches that carry air from the trachea into the lungs.

anoxia

A state of low or no oxygen in the body.

antitussive

A medication that suppresses coughing.

aphonia

Loss of the ability to speak.

asbestosis

Lung disease resulting from inhaling asbestos fibers.

asphyxia

A condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen.

asthma

A respiratory condition characterized by wheezing and shortness of breath.

atelectasis

The collapse of lung tissue.

bradypnea

Abnormally slow breathing.

bronchiectasis

An abnormal dilation of the bronchi.

bronchodilator

A drug that relaxes and opens the airways in the respiratory tract.

bronchorrhea

Excessive discharge of mucus from the bronchi.

bronchoscopy

A procedure to look inside the airways using a bronchoscope.

bronchospasm

A sudden constriction of the muscles in the bronchial walls.

Cheyne-Stokes respiration

A pattern of breathing characterized by gradual increases and decreases in breathing.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult.

croup

A childhood condition characterized by a barking cough and stridor.

cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen.

cystic fibrosis

A genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system.

dysphonia

Difficulty in speaking due to a problem with the vocal cords.

dyspnea

Difficult or labored breathing.

emphysema

A lung condition that causes shortness of breath due to damage to the alveoli.

empyema

Accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity.

endotracheal intubation

Insertion of a tube into the trachea to maintain an open airway.

epistaxis

Bleeding from the nose.

hemoptysis

Coughing up blood from the respiratory tract.

hemothorax

Blood accumulation in the pleural cavity.

hypercapnia

Excess carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.

hyperpnea

Increased depth and rate of breathing.

hypopnea

Abnormally slow or shallow breathing.

hypoxemia

Low levels of oxygen in the blood.

hypoxia

Deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx.

laryngoscopy

Examination of the larynx using a laryngoscope.

laryngospasm

A sudden closure of the vocal cords.

mediastinum

The space between the lungs that contains the heart, aorta, and other structures.

nebulizer

A device that converts liquid medication into a mist for inhalation.

otolaryngologist

A physician specialized in disorders of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT).

pertussis

Also known as whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease.

pharyngitis

Inflammation of the pharynx, causing a sore throat.

pleural effusion

Excess fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs.

pleurisy

Inflammation of the pleura, causing chest pain during breathing.

pleurodynia

Pain in the pleura, usually during respiration.

pneumoconiosis

Lung disease caused by inhalation of dust, leading to lung damage.

pneumonectomy

Surgical removal of a lung.

pneumonia

Infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.

pneumothorax

Accumulation of air in the pleural cavity.

polysomnography

A study used to diagnose sleep disorders.

pulmonary edema

Accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

pulmonologist

A medical doctor specializing in lung diseases.

pulse oximeter

A device used to measure the oxygen saturation of the blood.

pyothorax

Pus in the pleural cavity.

sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinuses.

sleep apnea

A sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep.

spirometer

An instrument used to measure lung capacity and airflow.

tachypnea

Abnormally rapid breathing.

thoracentesis

A procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space.

thoracotomy

Surgical incision into the chest wall.

tracheostomy

Surgical procedure to create an opening in the trachea.

tracheotomy

Incision into the trachea to provide an airway.

tuberculosis

A bacterial infection that affects the lungs and can spread to other organs.