Respiratory System Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for the respiratory system.

Upper respiratory tract

The division of the respiratory system that includes the nose, pharynx, and larynx.

Lower respiratory tract

The division of the respiratory system that includes the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Conducting zone

Brings air to and from the site of gas exchange; includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and terminal bronchioles.

Respiratory zone

Main site of gas exchange; includes respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli.

Internal nose

Cavity beyond the nasal vestibule, divided by the nasal septum; functions to filter, warm, and moisten incoming air.

Nasal conchae (turbinates)

Protrude from each lateral wall of the nasal cavity; increase turbulence and mixing of air for moisture and warmth.

Pharynx

Hollow tube posterior to the nasal cavity, descending to the larynx; functions as a passageway for air and food, a resonating chamber, and a housing for the tonsils.

Nasopharynx

Superior region of the pharynx, behind the nasal cavity.

Oropharynx

Middle region of the pharynx, behind the oral cavity.

Laryngopharynx

Inferior region of the pharynx, adjacent to the larynx.

Larynx

Connects the laryngopharynx with the trachea; prevents food and water from entering the lower respiratory system; functions as a resonating chamber.

Epiglottis

Flap of elastic cartilage guarding the entrance of the glottis.

Trachea

Semi-rigid pipe of cartilaginous rings anterior to the esophagus; extends from the larynx into the mediastinum.

Primary Bronchi

Emerge from the inferior trachea at the carina and go to the lungs.

Secondary Bronchi

Arise from primary bronchi and supply lobes of the lungs.

Tertiary Bronchi

Arise from secondary bronchi and supply segments of the lungs.

Bronchioles

Smallest branches of the bronchi, leading to terminal bronchioles.

Alveoli

Connected to respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts; composed of type I and type II alveolar cells.

Alveoli

Chiefly composed of type I alveolar cells, allowing for gas exchange.

Type II alveolar cells

Secrete surfactant to prevent collapse of the alveoli during exhalation.

Pulmonary lobule

Functional unit of the lung, wrapped in elastic connective tissue.

Pulmonary arteries

Carry deoxygenated blood from the right heart to the lungs for oxygenation.

Bronchial arteries

Branch from the aorta and deliver oxygenated blood to the lungs.

Ventilation-perfusion coupling

Matches perfusion of areas in the lungs to ventilation in that area.

Apex of the lung

Superior portion of the lung, extending slightly above the clavicles.

Base of the lungs

Inferior portion of the lungs, resting on the diaphragm.

Cardiac notch

Indentation on the left lung for the heart.

Pleural membrane

Double-layered membrane enclosing each lung.

Parietal pleura

Lines the walls of the thoracic cavity.

Visceral pleura

Adheres tightly to the lungs.

Pleural cavity

Formed on each side of the thorax, crucial to the mechanism of breathing.