Lung Anatomy Quizlet

nares

nostrils

nasal cavity

hollow space behind the nose

paranasal sinuses

air-filled cavities lined with mucous membrane, located in the bones of the skull

Pharynx (throat)

Passageway for air, leads to trachea

nasopharynx

region of the pharynx at the back of the nose and above the soft palate

adenoids

mass of lymphatic tissue in the nasopharynx

oropharynx

central portion of the pharynx between the roof of the mouth and the upper edge of the epiglottis

palatine tonsils

lymphatic tissue in the oropharynx

laryngopharynx

lower part of the pharynx, just below the oropharyngeal opening into the larynx and esophagus

larynx

the hollow muscular organ forming an air passage to the lungs and holding the vocal cords; the voice box.

Esophagus

A muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.

Epiglottis

A flap of tissue that seals off the windpipe and prevents food from entering.

Trachea (windpipe)

after larynx; passageway for air to the bronchi

Mediastinum

space between the lungs in the chest

bronchi

two short branches located at the lower end of the trachea that carry air into the lungs.

bronchioles

Airways in the lungs that lead from the bronchi to the alveoli.

alveoli

tiny sacs of lung tissue specialized for the movement of gases between air and blood

capillary

smallest blood vessel; brings nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and absorbs carbon dioxide and waste products

erythrocytes

red blood cells

pleura

Membrane surrounding the lungs

parietal pleura

outer layer of pleura lying closer to the ribs and chest wall

visceral pleura

inner layer of pleura lying closer to the lung tissue

lung lobes

3 in right lung, 2 in left lung

apex of the lung

tip or uppermost portion of the lung

base of the lung

lowest part of the lung, resting on the diaphragm

hilum of the lung

midline region where the bronchi, blood vessels, and nerves enter and exit the lungs

Diaphragm

Large, flat muscle at the bottom of the chest cavity that helps with breathing

Inhalation

the act of taking in air as the diaphragm contracts and pulls downward

exhalation

The passive part of the breathing process in which the diaphragm and relaxes, forcing air out of the lungs.

Pathway of air through the respiratory system

Mouth or nose and nasal cavity-> pharynx-> larynx-> trachea-> bronchi-> bronchioles-> alveolar ducts-> alveolar sacs -> lung capillaries