Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to respiratory anatomy and physiology to aid in exam preparation.

Pharynx

The muscular tube in the throat that carries air and food.

Nasopharynx

The upper part of the pharynx, located behind the nose; it is involved in air passage.

Oropharynx

The middle part of the pharynx that lies behind the mouth; serves as a pathway for food and air.

Laryngopharynx

The lower part of the pharynx that leads to the esophagus and larynx; involved in both digestion and respiration.

Larynx

Also known as the voice box; it plays a key role in breathing, producing sound, and protecting the trachea against food aspiration.

Epiglottis

A flap of cartilage located at the root of the tongue that covers the glottis during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, allowing for oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to be expelled.

Tidal Volume (TV)

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

The amount of air that can be forcefully inhaled after a normal inhalation.

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

The amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled following a normal exhalation.

Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

The total amount of air the lungs can hold, calculated as the sum of tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume, and residual volume.

Minute Respiratory Volume (MRV)

The total volume of air inhaled or exhaled in one minute, calculated by multiplying tidal volume by the respiratory rate.

Visceral Pleura

The serous membrane that covers the outer surface of the lungs.

Parietal Pleura

The serous membrane that lines the pleural cavity.

Bronchioles

Small branches of the bronchi that lead to the alveoli, serving as air passageways within the lungs.

Cricoid Cartilage

A ring-shaped cartilage structure located just below the thyroid cartilage in the larynx.

Pulmonary Capillaries

Small blood vessels surrounding the alveoli where gas exchange occurs.