Respiratory System Review

Flashcards focused on key terms and concepts related to the respiratory system from the lecture notes.

Nasal Cavity

The initial part of the respiratory tract for air intake.

Pharynx

The part of the throat situated behind the mouth, serving as a pathway for air and food.

Larynx

Voice box located between the pharynx and trachea.

Trachea

The windpipe, a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi.

Main Bronchi

The two primary branches of the trachea leading into each lung.

Bronchioles

Small branches of the bronchi that lead to alveoli.

Alveolar Ducts

Passages that connect the respiratory bronchioles to the alveolar sacs.

Alveolar Sacs

Cluster of alveoli, the primary site of gas exchange.

Diaphragm

Muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity, crucial for breathing.

Pleura

Double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs, consisting of the parietal and visceral pleura.

Conducting Zone

Airways that transport air and condition it without gas exchange.

Respiratory Zone

The region of the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Gas Exchange

The process by which oxygen is taken into the blood and carbon dioxide is expelled.

Ventilation

The bulk flow of air into and out of the lungs.

Oxygen Diffusion

Oxygen moving from alveoli into capillary blood.

Carbon Dioxide Diffusion

Carbon dioxide moving from capillary blood into the alveoli.

Gas Transport

The process of carrying gases like O₂ and CO₂ throughout the body.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process by which cells use oxygen to produce energy.

Respiratory Membrane

The barrier for gas exchange, approx. 0.5 µm thick.

Pulmonary Capillary Network

A mesh of capillaries surrounding alveoli for efficient gas exchange.

Inspiration

The process of inhaling air into the lungs.

Expiration

The process of exhaling air from the lungs.

Boyle's Law

The principle stating that pressure decreases as volume increases, and vice versa.

Pleural Pressure

The pressure in the pleural space, which helps to keep the lungs inflated.

Pneumothorax

The presence of air in the pleural space causing lung collapse.

Ciliated Epithelial Cells

Cells with hair-like structures that help move mucus in the respiratory tract.

Goblet Cells

Cells that secrete mucus to trap particles and pathogens.

CFTR Channel

A protein involved in the transport of chloride ions in epithelial cells.

Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disorder affecting the CFTR channel, leading to thick mucus.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles located between the ribs that assist in breathing.

Elastic Recoil

The ability of the lungs and chest wall to return to their original size after breathing.

Intrapulmonary Pressure

The pressure within the alveoli.

Transpulmonary Pressure

The difference in pressure between the inside of the lungs and the pleural space.

Mucociliary Clearance

The mechanism by which mucus is moved out of the respiratory tract.

Sub-atmospheric Pressure

Pressure lower than the outside atmosphere, crucial for lung function.

Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio

The ratio of air reaching the alveoli to the blood flow in the surrounding capillaries.

Surface Area Maximization

The adaptation that increases alveolar surface area for gas exchange.

Thoracic Wall

The structure that protects the thoracic cavity and aids in respiration.

Alveolus

A tiny air sac in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Primary Bronchi

First division of the trachea, leading to each lung.

Secondary (Lobar) Bronchi

Branches of the main bronchi that lead to each lobe of the lungs.

Tertiary (Segmental) Bronchi

Further divisions of the bronchi that supply segments of lung lobes.

Respiratory Pathway

The route air travels from the nostrils to the alveoli.

Airway Anatomy

The structural organization of the airways involved in respiration.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by excess acidity in the body fluids.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by excess alkalinity in the body fluids.

Gas Exchange Efficiency

The effectiveness of the respiratory membrane in facilitating gas exchange.

Respiratory Disorders

Medical conditions that affect the lungs and airways.

Oxygen Saturation

The percentage of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in the blood.

Carbon Dioxide Retention

Condition when carbon dioxide levels in the blood become elevated.

Hemoglobin Binding

The process by which oxygen molecules attach to hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Bicarbonate Transport

The primary form in which carbon dioxide is transported in the blood.

Arterial Blood Gases

Tests that measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in blood.

Chronic Respiratory Illness

Long-term diseases affecting normal respiratory function.

Lung Compliance

The ability of the lungs to expand with pressure changes.

Airway Resistance

The resistance to airflow in the respiratory tract.

Inspiratory Volume

The volume of air inhaled during a deep breath.

Expiratory Volume

The volume of air forcefully exhaled after a normal exhalation.