Anatomy and Respiratory final study guide

Vocabulary flashcards generated directly from the Anatomy and Respiratory System study guide notes and worksheets.

Anatomy

Derived from a Greek term meaning to cut apart or dissect.

Nasal Septum

The structure that divides the nasal cavity into right and left sides.

Anterior

Directional term meaning toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Directional term meaning toward the back of the body.

Superior

Directional term meaning toward the head.

Inferior

Directional term meaning toward the feet.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the point of attachment.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the point of attachment.

Pharynx Regions

The three regions of the pharynx: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Composed of four structures: nose/nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx.

Nasal Cavity

Structure that filters, warms, and humidifies inspired air.

Choanae (Internal Nares)

The passage connecting the nasal cavity to the pharynx.

Larynx

The voice box containing the vocal cords.

Glottis

The space between the true vocal cords.

Carina

The point where the trachea divides into the main bronchi.

Right Main Bronchus

The primary bronchus that is more vertical and wider, making it more likely to trap foreign objects.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle of quiet inspiration.

Boyle's Law

States that when volume increases during inspiration, pressure decreases, helping keep lungs inflated via intrapleural pressure.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs responsible for gas exchange where carbon dioxide moves out of pulmonary capillaries.

Atmospheric Oxygen

Composes approximately $21\%$ of atmospheric air.

Respiratory Zone

Structures involved in gas exchange, including the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.

Type II Alveolar Cells

Cells responsible for producing surfactant.

Surfactant

Substance that reduces surface tension, prevents alveolar collapse, and makes lungs easier to inflate.

Cilia

Microscopic structures that move mucus toward the pharynx.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a membrane.

Diffusion

The movement of substances from high concentration to low concentration.

Tachypnea

Rapid breathing.

Hyperventilation

An increased breathing rate causing decreased $CO_2$ levels.

Hypoventilation

A decreased breathing rate causing increased $CO_2$ levels.

Hypoxia

Lack of oxygen at the tissue level.

Hypoxemia

Low oxygen in arterial blood.

Hyperoxia

Excess oxygen supplied to tissues.

Cyanosis

Blue discoloration of the skin from lack of oxygen.

Alveolar Dead Space

Ventilation occurring without perfusion.

Blood pH Range

The normal physiological range of blood pH, which is $7.35\text{--}7.45$ (or around $7.4$).

pH

A measurement describing the concentration of hydrogen ions ($H^+$).

Acidosis

A condition characterized by decreased blood pH, generally caused by increased $CO_2$.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by increased blood pH, generally caused by decreased $CO_2$.

Homeostasis

Refers to maintaining a stable internal environment.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells whose primary function is transporting oxygen and carrying a portion of carbon dioxide.

Leukocytes

White blood cells whose primary function is fighting infection and providing immune defense.

Leukopenia

Low white blood cell count.

Hemoglobin

Protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Carboxyhemoglobin

Compound formed when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin.

Heart Layers

The three structural layers of the heart: epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium.

Myocardium

The muscular middle layer of the heart.

Endocardium

The inner lining of the heart.

Pericardium

The sac surrounding the heart.

Atria

The upper chambers of the heart.

Ventricles

The lower chambers of the heart.

Tricuspid Valve

The valve located between the right atrium and right ventricle.

Mitral (Bicuspid) Valve

The valve located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Coronary Arteries

Blood vessels supplying the heart muscle.

Aorta

The large artery leaving the left ventricle that carries oxygenated blood.

Pulmonary Circulation

Circulation that occurs between the heart and the lungs.

Systemic Circulation

Circulation that occurs between the heart and the body/systemic tissues.

Normal Adult Heart Rate

Resting pulse rate of $60$ to $100\,\text{bpm}$.

Venae Cavae

The superior and inferior veins through which blood enters the right atrium.

Pulmonic (Pulmonary Semilunar) Valve

The valve through which blood exits the right ventricle into the pulmonary trunk.

Aortic Valve

The valve through which blood leaves the left ventricle into the aorta.

Kidney

A bean-shaped organ responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.

Urine Formation Processes

The three processes of urine formation: glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and tubular secretion.

Ureters

Structures that transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

Matter

Anything that has mass and occupies space.

Atom

The smallest unit of an element.

Atomic Number

Value that equals the number of protons in an atom.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules such as DNA and RNA.

Glycogen

A stored carbohydrate located in the liver and skeletal muscles.

Lipids

Hydrophobic and water-insoluble organic biomolecules.

Organic Molecules

Molecules that always contain carbon.

Proteins

Biomolecules that provide structural support and act as enzymes.