Respiratory System Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomical structures, physiological processes, pressure dynamics, lung volumes, and disorders of the human respiratory system based on Chapters 35, 36, and 37.

Upper Respiratory Tract

The anatomical division of the respiratory system consisting of the nose, nasal cavities, pharynx, larynx, and upper trachea.

Lower Respiratory Tract

The anatomical division of the respiratory system consisting of the lower trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, pleural membranes, and chest cavity muscles.

Nasal Mucosa

Respiratory mucosa containing a rich blood supply that warms and humidifies incoming air as it passes through the nasal cavity.

Olfactory Epithelium

A specialized sensory membrane in the nasal cavity that contains numerous olfactory nerve cells and a rich lymphatic plexus.

Paranasal Sinuses

Four pairs of air-containing spaces lined with respiratory mucosa that drain into the nasal cavity: maxillary, frontal, ethmoidal, and sphenoidal sinuses.

Pharynx

The muscular passage divided into three regions: nasopharynx (upper), oropharynx (middle), and laryngopharynx (lower).

Larynx

The structure that acts as a passageway for air, produces sound (voice), and prevents food or foreign objects from entering lower respiratory structures.

Epiglottis

A structure composed of smooth muscle and connective tissue that covers the larynx during swallowing to prevent aspiration.

Carina

The specific anatomical area where the trachea bifurcates into the right and left primary bronchi.

Hilus

The area on the medial surface of each lung where the primary bronchi enter.

Bronchioles

Small air channels branching off the bronchi that are wrapped with smooth muscle.

Alveoli

Microscopic air sacs formed by a simple layer of epithelial tissue connected by alveolar ducts where gas exchange takes place.

Respiratory Mucosa Structure

Epithelial tissue composed of pseudostratified epithelium containing motile cilia and goblet cells that secrete mucus above a basement membrane and submucosa.

Visceral Pleura

The serous membrane that directly covers the outer surface of the lungs.

Parietal Pleura

The serous membrane that lines the inner thoracic chest wall cavity.

Pleurisy

An inflammatory condition affecting the pleural membranes.

Pleural Effusion

Excessive accumulation of fluid in the intrapleural space, creating external pressure that restricts lung expansion.

Empyema

A condition characterized by purulent (pus-filled) pleural effusion within the intrapleural space.

Compliance

A clinical measure of the elasticity and recoil capacity of the lungs.

Surfactant

A surface-active agent in alveoli that interferes with surface tension between water molecules, keeping alveoli open and preventing collapse.

Boyle's Law

The physical law governing ventilation stating that pressure and volume are inversely related; increasing lung volume decreases pressure during inhalation, whereas decreasing lung volume increases pressure during exhalation.

Phrenic Nerve

Motor spinal nerves derived from $C_3$, $C_4$, and $C_5$ that innervate the diaphragm muscle.

Intercostal Nerves

Spinal nerves originating from $T_1$ to $T_{11}$ that supply the intercostal muscles.

Tidal Volume

The volume of air moved into and out of the lungs during a single resting breath, equal to $500\text{ ml}$.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume

The additional volume of air that can be forcefully inhaled after a normal resting inhalation, equal to $3000\text{ ml}$.

Expiratory Reserve Volume

The additional volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a normal resting exhalation, equal to $1100\text{ ml}$.

Residual Volume

The amount of air remaining in the lungs after maximal forceful exhalation, equal to $1200\text{ ml}$.

Vital Capacity

The maximum volume of air that can be exhaled following maximal inhalation, calculated at $4600\text{ ml}$.

Total Lung Capacity

The maximum volume of air the lungs can hold following a maximal inhalation, equal to $5800\text{ ml}$.

Medulla Oblongata

The primary autonomic respiratory control center in the brain stem that governs basic breathing rhythms.

Pons

A brain stem region containing pneumotaxic and apneustic centers that regulates breathing during reflex actions.

Hering-Breuer Reflex

A physiological reflex mechanism that prevents over-inflation of the lungs.

Carbaminohemoglobin

The chemical compound formed when carbon dioxide binds to hemoglobin, carrying $20\%$ of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Bicarbonate Ion

The primary chemical form ($\text{HCO}_3$) in which $70\%$ of carbon dioxide is transported in blood plasma.

Ventilation Pressure Principle

Air flows down a pressure gradient: inspiration occurs when atmospheric pressure ($P_B$) exceeds intrapulmonic pressure ($P_A$), while expiration occurs when intrapulmonic pressure ($P_A$) exceeds atmospheric pressure ($P_B$).

Alveolar Gas Exchange Partial Pressures

Passive diffusion driven by partial pressure gradients between alveoli ($P_{\text{O}_2} = 104$, $P_{\text{CO}_2} = 40$) and pulmonary capillaries ($P_{\text{O}_2} = 40$, $P_{\text{CO}_2} = 45$).

Epistaxis

The medical term for a nosebleed.

Rhinitis

Inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nasal cavity.

Atelectasis

Collapse or incomplete expansion of lung tissue, commonly caused by shallow post-surgical breathing, mucous plugs, external pressure, or lack of surfactant in premature infants.