Respiratory System Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomical structures, physiological processes, procedures, and arterial blood gas parameters of the respiratory system from the Week 3 lecture notes.

Ventilation (Breathing)

The movement of air into and out of the lungs.

External Nose

The visible part of the nose, mainly made of hyaline cartilage, with a bone bridge and covered by skin and connective tissue.

Nares (Nostrils)

External openings into the nasal cavity that lead to the choanae.

Choanae

Openings leading from the nasal cavity into the pharynx.

Nasal Septum

Structure that divides the nasal cavity into right and left sides.

Deviated Nasal Septum

A condition occurring when the nasal septum bulges toward one side, which may interfere with normal airflow.

Hard Palate

Bony structure that forms the floor of the nasal cavity and separates it from the oral cavity.

Nasal Conchae

Structures that increase the surface area of the nasal cavity and cause air to churn or swirl so it becomes warmed, humidified, and cleansed.

Paranasal Sinuses

Air-filled spaces within bones around the nasal cavity that reduce skull weight, produce mucus, and help give the voice resonance.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of a sinus.

Pharynx (Throat)

A muscular passageway shared by the respiratory and digestive systems, consisting of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Nasopharynx

The superior part of the pharynx located behind the nasal cavity and above the soft palate that serves as an air passage only.

Oropharynx

The region of the pharynx extending from the uvula to the epiglottis that passes air, food, and drinks.

Laryngopharynx

The region of the pharynx located behind the larynx extending from the epiglottis to the esophagus.

Larynx (Voice Box)

Structure that keeps the airway open, protects the airway during swallowing, and produces sound or voice.

Thyroid Cartilage

The largest laryngeal cartilage that forms the Adam's apple and helps maintain an open airway.

Cricoid Cartilage

The ring-shaped, lowest cartilage of the larynx that forms its base and serves as an insertion point for an endotracheal tube.

Epiglottis

A spoon-shaped (leaf-shaped) flap of elastic cartilage that acts as a gatekeeper to cover the airway during swallowing.

Vestibular Folds (False Cords)

Folds in the larynx that block airflow and help protect the airway.

Vocal Folds (True Cords)

Folds in the larynx that vibrate to produce sound for speech.

Trachea (Windpipe)

A long tube connecting the larynx to the bronchi, measuring $\sim 10\text{--}11\,\text{cm}$ long and $1.4\text{--}1.6\,\text{cm}$ in diameter, supported by 16–20 C-shaped cartilage rings.

Heimlich Maneuver

An emergency airway procedure that forces air from the lungs to dislodge a blockage.

Intubation

An emergency procedure involving the insertion of a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea.

Cricothyrotomy

An emergency cut made between the thyroid and cricoid cartilage to insert an airway tube.

Tracheostomy

A permanent surgical opening into the trachea.

Right Primary Bronchus

The primary bronchus that is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left, making it more prone to aspiration.

Left Primary Bronchus

The primary bronchus that is positioned more horizontally due to the location of the heart.

Carina

An important landmark for reading X-rays located at the bronchial bifurcation; it is highly sensitive to mechanical stimulation and triggers a powerful cough reflex.

Lungs

Soft, spongy, elastic organs of respiration weighing $0.5\,\text{kg}$ each, with an apex extending about $2.5\,\text{cm}$ above the clavicle.

Bronchopulmonary Segments

Subdivisions of the lung that can be removed surgically; there are 10 segments in the right lung and 9 segments in the left lung.

Lobectomy

A surgical procedure (S/P) to remove an entire lobe, or section, of an organ, such as to treat lung cancer.

Parietal Pleura

The serous membrane lining the chest wall, diaphragm, and mediastinum.

Visceral Pleura

The serous membrane covering the outer surface of the lung.

Pleurisy

Inflammation of the pleura that causes severe pain with deep breaths due to friction between inflamed membranes.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs (approximately 300 million) surrounded by elastic fibers where gas exchange occurs.

Type I (Squamous) Pneumocytes

Thin cells covering most of the alveolar surface whose primary function is gas exchange.

Type II Pneumocytes

Alveolar cells that produce surfactant to reduce surface tension and keep alveoli open.

Alveolar Macrophages

Immune cells in the alveoli that clean dust, debris, and foreign objects.

Atelectasis

The collapse of a lung or part of a lung occurring when alveoli lose air.

External Respiration

Gas exchange occurring between the alveoli and blood in the pulmonary capillaries.

Internal Respiration

Gas exchange occurring between blood in the systemic capillaries and body cells.

PaCO2

The partial pressure of carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the blood, measured in $\text{mmHg}$ (normal range is $35\text{--}45\,\text{mmHg}$).

Respiratory Acidosis

An acid-base imbalance resulting from hypoventilation and CO2 buildup, characterized by blood pH $< 7.35$ and PaCO2 $> 45\,\text{mmHg}$.

Respiratory Alkalosis

An acid-base imbalance resulting from hyperventilation and excessive CO2 loss, characterized by blood pH $> 7.45$ and PaCO2 $< 35\,\text{mmHg}$.