Respiratory System

Vocabulary flashcards derived from the Respiratory System lecture notes.

Respiratory System

The body system responsible for the continuous absorption of oxygen and excretion of carbon dioxide.

Trachea

The airway that branches into two main stem bronchi.

Carina

The location where the trachea divides into the right and left bronchi.

Bronchus

The tube that conducts air from the trachea to the lungs.

Terminal Bronchioles

The smallest airways that are purely conducting, located five divisions below the segmental bronchi.

Laminar Flow

A type of airflow that occurs in the terminal bronchioles.

Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium

The most common cell type found in the mucosa of the larger airways.

Histamine

A chemical mediator released from mast cells that can cause bronchoconstriction and vasodilation

Mucociliary Escalator

The action produced by cilia that moves mucus out of the airways.

Conducting Airways

The airways from the nares to the terminal bronchioles.

Acinus

The portion of the lung composed of structures distal to a terminal bronchiole.

Pulmonary Surfactant

A substance secreted by type II cells that promotes lung stability.

Type I Cells

Cells that cover over 90% of the surface area of the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Alveolar Macrophages (type 3)

Free-wandering phagocytic cells that ingest foreign material in the lungs.

Pores of Kohn

Intercommunicating channels that permit collateral ventilation in the lungs.

Costophrenic Angle

The angle formed where the diaphragm and the ribs meet.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle used in the process of breathing.

Accessory Muscles

Muscles that assist in respiration, particularly during high ventilatory demand.

Pleural Fluid

A small amount of fluid found in the pleural space that reduces friction.

Coughing

The action that can clear mucus and foreign particles from the airways.

Glottis

The space that separates the true vocal cords.