EXAM 4 - RESPIRATORY AND NERVOUS SYSTEM

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

A broad term describing conditions of progressive, irreversible obstruction of expiratory airflow.

Eupnea

Normal breathing.

Dyspnea

Labored or difficulty breathing.

Cheyne-Stokes respiration

A cycle of alternating hyperventilation and apnea in critically ill patients.

Atelectasis

Collapse or incomplete expansion of a lung.

External respiration

The exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood.

Internal respiration

The exchange of gases between the cells and the blood.

Cellular respiration

The use of oxygen for cell metabolism.

External nares

Another term for nostrils.

Peripheral axons

Groups of nerves.

Pia mater

The innermost layer of the meninges.

Corpus callosum

Connects the right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum.

Afferent neurons

Also known as sensory neurons.

Interneurons

Also known as connecting neurons.

Oligodendrocytes

A type of glial cell that produces myelin for cells in the central nervous system.

Microglia

A type of glial cell that turns into a microbe-eating cell in inflamed brain tissue.

Epineurium

The outermost covering of a nerve.

Axons

Carry nerve impulses away from the cell body.

Neuroma

A general term for a tumor of the nervous system.

Peripheral nervous system

Consists of the cranial nerves and spinal nerves.

Autonomic nervous system

A subdivision of the peripheral nervous system.

Dendrites

Usually highly branched, with numerous extensions from the neuron’s cell body.

Nervous system tumors

Often result from the metastasis of other types of tumors.

Reflex arc

A two-neuron pathway, the most basic type.

Sodium ions

Pumped into the neuron during a nerve impulse.

Larynx

Consists of vocal cords, thyroid cartilage, and the epiglottis.

Conchae and turbinates

Shelf-like structures that protrude into the nasal cavity.

Paranasal sinus

Contains a sinus associated with the ethmoid bone.

Pulmonary ventilation

Involves two phases: inspiration and expiration.

Inspiratory reserve volume

The amount of air that can be forcibly taken in after normal inhalation.

Residual volume

Not included in vital capacity.

Chemoreceptors

Help regulate breathing, found in the carotid artery and the aorta.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances not part of a synapse—deficiency leads to conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

Hypothalamus

Produces antidiuretic hormone and helps regulate body temperature and water balance.

Cerebellum

The second largest part of the brain, not part of the brainstem.

Spinal cord

The primary reflex center containing gray and white matter, transmitting impulses to/from the brain.

Somatic nervous system

Carries impulses from the brain and spinal cord to skeletal muscle.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Found between the arachnoid mater and pia mater.

Upper respiratory tract

Contains the pharynx, larynx, and nose.

Lower respiratory tract

Includes the trachea and lungs.

Respiratory mucosa

Helps trap contaminants found in inspired air and humidify inspired air.

Cartilage

A component of primary and secondary bronchi and the trachea.