Pulmonology Flashcards

Flashcards on Pulmonology and the Respiratory System

Pulmonology

The medical specialty that studies the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system.

Nasal Cavity

The cavity within the nose, divided by the septum, containing three turbinates to warm and moisten air.

Nasal Mucosa

The mucous membrane lining the nasal cavity, which humidifies air and produces mucus to trap particles.

Pharynx

A common passage for inhaled air, exhaled air, and food, divided into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Larynx

The voice box, the first part of the lower respiratory tract, which remains open during speech and respiration.

Trachea

The windpipe, a passageway for inhaled and exhaled air supported by C-shaped cartilage.

Bronchi

The right and left divisions of the trachea that enter the lungs and divide into smaller bronchioles, supported by rings of cartilage.

Bronchioles

The smallest bronchi with smooth muscle and no cartilage that can contract or relax to narrow or widen the bronchial lumen.

Alveoli

Hollow spheres of cells in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged with nearby capillaries.

Surfactant

A substance secreted by alveoli that keeps their walls from collapsing.

Pulmonary Parenchyma

Collectively, the alveoli form the pulmonary parenchyma, the functional tissue of the lungs

Thorax

The bony cage between the neck and the diaphragm that protects the lungs and thoracic cavity.

Mediastinum

The space between the lungs that contains the trachea, heart, and esophagus.

Pleura

A double-layered serous membrane surrounding each lung within the thoracic cavity.

Pleural Fluid

Fluid secreted by the pleura that allows the layers to smoothly slide past each other.

Phrenic Nerve

The nerve that stimulates the diaphragm.

Inhalation

Breathing in, also known as inspiration.

Exhalation

Breathing out, also known as expiration.

Ventilation

The movement of air in and out of the lungs.

External Respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and the lungs at the alveoli.

Gas Transport

The movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide by the blood.

Internal Respiration

The movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide from blood into cells.

Cellular Respiration

The use of oxygen by the cells to produce energy and waste (carbon dioxide) through metabolism.

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

A bacterial or viral infection of the upper respiratory tract; a head cold.

Asthma

Hyperreactivity of the bronchi or bronchioles to an allergen or inhaled substances, causing inflammation, excess mucus production, and bronchospasm.

Bronchitis

Acute or chronic infection or inflammation of the bronchi.

Bronchiectasis

Permanent enlargement and loss of elasticity in the bronchioles, allowing secretions to accumulate.

Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Serious lung condition caused by severe infection, burns, or lung injury; damaged alveoli fill with fluid and collapse.

Atelectasis

The collapse of all or part of a lung.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Any type of chronic obstructive lung disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, due to chronic air pollution or smoking.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Inherited condition causing problems with respiratory, digestive, and sweat secretions; mucus is too thick and blocks alveoli.

Empyema

Localized pus in the lung due to a bacterial infection.

Influenza

Respiratory infection caused by a virus; mild forms cause fever, muscle ache, and cough, while severe forms can be life-threatening.

Legionnaires’ Disease

Severe, sometimes fatal bacterial infection starting with flu-like symptoms and progressing to severe pneumonia.

Pneumonia

Infection of lobes of the lungs where fluid, white blood cells, and microorganisms fill passages.

Pulmonary Edema

Build-up of fluid in the alveoli caused by left-sided heart failure, chest wall trauma, or pneumonia.

Pulmonary Embolism

Traveling clot or fat globule that lodges in the lung, blocking blood flow and causing SOB; often occurs in patients on bedrest.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, causing nodules in the lungs.

Hemothorax

Blood in the thoracic cavity, usually due to trauma.

Pleural Effusion

Accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space due to inflammation or infection.

Pleurisy

Inflammation or infection of the pleura.

Pneumothorax

Air in the pleural space that causes the lung to collapse; usually the result of penetrating trauma.

Apnea

Absence of spontaneous respiration due to respiratory failure or arrest.

Bradypnea

Abnormally slow rate of breathing due to brain damage or chemical imbalance in the blood.

Dyspnea

Abnormal, difficult, labored, or painful breathing.

Orthopnea

Difficulty breathing when lying supine; patient sleeps sitting up or semi-upright.

Tachypnea

Abnormally fast rate of breathing due to lung disease.

Anoxia

Complete lack or severely decreased level of oxygen in arterial blood and body tissues.

Asphyxia

Abnormally high level of carbon dioxide and an abnormally low level of oxygen in the blood.

Cyanosis

Bluish-gray skin due to a low level of oxygen and a high level of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Hypercapnia

Very high level of carbon dioxide in arterial blood.

Hypoxemia

Very low level of oxygen in arterial blood.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)

A blood test to measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide in a sample of arterial blood.

Oximetry

Noninvasive test to measure oxygen saturation of the blood; oximeter emits light waves that reflect off of hemoglobin.

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

Breathing test to measure the volume of air that can be forcefully inhaled or exhaled.

Bronchoscopy

Insertion of a lighted bronchoscope through the mouth and larynx to examine the trachea and bronchi.

Thoracentesis

Needle inserted into the thoracic cavity to remove fluid from the pleural space.

Tracheostomy

Opening into the trachea and insertion of a plastic tube to provide temporary or permanent access to the lungs.