Respiratory

What is pulmonary ventilation?

The exchange of air between the atmosphere and the air sacs of the lungs (alveoli), where oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is expelled.

What is external gas exchange?

The exchange of gases between the blood and alveoli.

What is internal gas exchange?

The exchange of gases between the blood and the cells.

What is cellular respiration?

The process when cells take in oxygen and use it in the breakdown of nutrients.

What are the three parts of the pharynx?

Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Laryngopharynx.

What is the function of the larynx?

The larynx, or voice box, connects the pharynx with the trachea and contains vocal folds.

What does the trachea do?

The trachea, or windpipe, conducts air between the larynx and the lungs.

What is the diaphragm?

A muscle under the lungs that flattens during inhalation.

What is pleura?

A serous membrane that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs, composed of an epithelial layer.

What is sinusitis?

Swelling or inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses.

What is epistaxis?

A nosebleed.

What is hay fever?

An immune system reaction to outdoor allergens.

What is the difference between upper and lower respiratory infections?

Upper respiratory infections affect the nose, sinuses, and throat, while lower respiratory infections affect the airways and lungs.

What is croup?

a common viral breathing infection in young children, causing swelling in the trachea and larynx.

What is pneumonia?

An infectious inflammation of the lungs where the air space becomes filled with fluid, called exudates.

What is pneumocystis pneumonia?

A type of pneumonia that occurs mainly in people with weakened immune systems.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Hypersensitivity to inhaled substances.

What is asthma?

A disorder of the bronchial tubes characterized by excessive mucus production, inflammation, and spasm of involuntary muscles in the bronchial tubes.

What does COPD stand for?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, describing several associated lung disorders including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

What is chronic bronchitis?

A condition where the airway lining is chronically inflamed and produces excessive secretions.

What is emphysema?

A condition characterized by the dilation and destruction of the alveoli.

What is acute respiratory distress syndrome?

A sudden potentially reversible inflammatory condition of the lung resulting from injury or infection.

What is atelectasis?

The incomplete expansion of a lung or a portion of a lung, also known as a collapsed lung.

What is pleurisy?

Inflammation of the pleura, usually accompanying a lung infection such as pneumonia or TB.

What is pneumothorax?

An accumulation of air in the pleural space causing the lung on the affected side to collapse.

What is hemothorax?

The presence of blood in the pleural space.

What is thoracentesis?

A procedure where a large bore needle is inserted between the ribs into the pleural space to remove fluid.