Respiratory System Vocabulary

Flashcards to review the key vocabulary, definitions, and concepts from the respiratory system lecture notes.

Conducting Zone

The system of tubes that allows air to move from the environment to the site of gas exchange, including the nasal cavity, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.

Respiratory Zone

The portion of the lungs where gas exchange occurs, including the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.

Humidity in Nasal Cavity

Mucosal secretions evaporate and mix with inhaled air as water vapor, humidifying the air.

Nasal Conchae

Superior, middle, and inferior structures that induce turbulence within the flow of inhaled air in the nasal cavity, increasing contact with moist nasal walls.

Epiglottis

A cartilaginous structure that closes to prevent food or water from entering the glottis when swallowing.

Thyroid Cartilage

Also known as the Adam’s apple, is a prominent feature of the larynx.

Cricothyroid Ligament

The space between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages, which is the typical site for an emergency tracheotomy.

Arytenoid Cartilage

Located on the posterior portion of the thyroid cartilage, superior to the cricoid cartilage, and controls the opening and closing of the glottis.

Corniculate Cartilage

Located on the posterior portion of the thyroid cartilage, articulating with the superior margin of the arytenoid cartilage and controls the opening and closing of the glottis.

Tracheal Tissue

Tissue consists of ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium and goblet cells to move dust particles and bacteria away from the lungs.

Lobes of the Lungs

The left lung consists of two lobes: the superior and inferior lobes; whereas, the right lung features three lobes which include a middle lobe.

Left Lung

Features an indentation known as the cardiac notch which creates additional space for the heart.

Terminal Bronchiole

The dividing line between the conducting and respiratory zones.

Alveolar Sac

20 - 30 alveoli (singular: alveolus)

Tidal Volume (TV)

The volume of inhaled or exhaled air during a normal breathing cycle.

Maximum Inspiratory Flow Rate

The maximum rate of air movement during inhalation.

Forced Inspiratory Flow Rate

The maximum rate of air movement during inhalation during a forced breath.

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

The volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a maximal inhalation.

Forced Expiratory Flow Rate

The maximum rate of air movement during exhalation during a forced breath.