Respiratory System | Des Moines University

Terms

rhin/o

nose

laryng/o

larynx “voice box”

trache/o

trachea “windpipe”

bronch/o

lung air passageways

pne/u, pnea

breath, air, lung

pulmo/o

lung

-ptysis

spitting (coughing)

-plasty

reconstruction

Diseases

Pneumoconiosis

an abnormal condition of dust in the lungs

Epistaxis

nosebleed

Cystic Fibrosis

an inheritable disease that affects the lungs and other systems producing mucous such as the digestive system

Emphysema (COPD)

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

(emphysema is a type of COPD)

• the bane of long term smokers

Atelectasis

a collapsed lung

Respiratory System Procedures

Pulmonologist

a physician specializing in diseases of the lungs

Respiratory Therapist

a specially trained technician who administers inhalation therapy to patients with lung disease

Pulmonary Angiography

special x-rays of the vessels of the lungs

Laryngoscopy

visual examination of the larynx

Endotracheal Intubation

passing a special air-tube into the trachea so oxygen can be reliably supplied directly to the lungs without risk of inhaling vomit from the stomach