Chapter 11.1

A set of key vocabulary terms from Chapter 11 covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, and terminology of the respiratory system.

Respiratory System

Body system responsible for gas exchange, supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.

Alveolus / Alveoli

Microscopic air sac(s) in the lungs where oxygen–carbon-dioxide exchange occurs.

Bronchus / Bronchi

Large air passage(es) branching from the trachea into each lung.

Bronchiole

Smallest conducting airway; tiny subdivision of a bronchus.

Trachea

Windpipe; tube that carries air between the larynx and bronchi.

Larynx

Voice box; cartilaginous airway containing the vocal cords.

Pharynx

Throat; muscular tube connecting nasal/mouth cavities to larynx and esophagus.

Nasopharynx

Upper portion of the pharynx located behind the nasal cavity.

Oropharynx

Middle portion of the pharynx located behind the oral cavity.

Laryngopharynx

Lowest portion of the pharynx situated just above the larynx.

Epiglottis

Flap of elastic cartilage that covers the laryngeal opening during swallowing.

Diaphragm

Dome-shaped skeletal muscle separating thoracic and abdominal cavities; chief muscle of breathing.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles located between the ribs that assist respiration.

Pleura

Double-layered serous membrane surrounding each lung.

Visceral Pleura

Inner pleural layer adhering directly to lung surface.

Parietal Pleura

Outer pleural layer lining the chest wall and diaphragm.

Pleural Cavity

Potential space between visceral and parietal pleura containing lubricating fluid and negative pressure.

Mediastinum

Central thoracic space between lungs containing heart, major vessels, trachea, and esophagus.

Thorax

Chest; part of the body enclosed by ribs, sternum, and vertebrae.

Cilia

Microscopic hair-like projections that trap debris in the nasal and airway mucosa.

Nasal Septum

Cartilage-and-bone partition dividing the nasal cavity into two chambers.

Paranasal Sinuses

Air-filled cavities in facial bones that lighten skull and resonate voice.

Adenoids (Pharyngeal Tonsils)

Mass of lymphoid tissue in the nasopharynx helping defend against inhaled pathogens.

Tonsils (Palatine)

Paired lymphoid tissues at the back of the oral cavity that aid immune defense.

Tracheal Carina

Cartilaginous ridge at the tracheal bifurcation; highly sensitive cough reflex area.

Lobe (of Lung)

Anatomical subdivision of a lung; 3 on right, 2 on left.

Patent Airway

Air passage that is open and unobstructed.

Spirometer

Device used to measure breathing volumes and lung function.

Inspiration (Inhalation)

Act of drawing air into the lungs.

Expiration (Exhalation)

Act of expelling air from the lungs.

Ventilation

Movement of air into and out of the lungs.

External Respiration

Exchange of gases between air in lungs and blood.

Internal Respiration

Exchange of gases between blood and tissue cells.

Hypoxia

Deficient oxygen level in body tissues.

Hypoxemia

Low oxygen concentration in arterial blood.

Apnea

Temporary cessation of breathing.

Dyspnea

Difficult or labored breathing; shortness of breath.

Tachypnea

Abnormally rapid breathing rate.

Hyperpnea

Increased depth and rate of breathing above normal.

Eupnea

Normal, unlabored breathing.

Atelectasis

Collapse of lung tissue resulting in incomplete expansion.

Pneumothorax

Air in the pleural cavity causing lung collapse.

Hemothorax

Blood accumulation within the pleural cavity.

Pleural Effusion

Abnormal fluid collection in the pleural space.

Pulmonary Edema

Fluid accumulation in lung air sacs and tissue, often cardiogenic.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Chronic scarring of lung tissue causing stiff, non-compliant lungs.

Pneumonia

Inflammatory infection filling alveoli with fluid or pus.

Bronchopneumonia

Pneumonia involving small bronchi and adjacent alveoli.

Lobar Pneumonia

Pneumonia affecting an entire lobe of the lung.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Chronic lung infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis forming tubercles.

Pertussis

Bacterial infection (Bordetella pertussis) causing whooping cough.

Influenza

Acute viral respiratory infection caused by influenza virus.

Pulmonary Embolism

Obstruction of pulmonary artery by a traveling blood clot (embolus).

Sputum

Mucus and other material coughed up from the respiratory tract.

Empyema

Collection of pus in the pleural cavity or thorax.

Diaphragmatocele

Herniation of abdominal organs through a defect in the diaphragm.

Auscultation

Clinical act of listening to body sounds with a stethoscope.

Capnia

Suffix/root referring to carbon dioxide content (e.g., hypercapnia).

Phonation

Production of sound through vibration of vocal cords.

Phrenic Nerve

Motor nerve that stimulates the diaphragm to contract for breathing.

Spiro- (Combining Form)

Prefix/combining form meaning ‘to breathe’ (e.g., spirometry).

Capno- / Capni- (Combining Form)

Prefix relating to carbon dioxide (e.g., capnography).

Pulmono-

Combining form meaning ‘lung’ (e.g., pulmonology).