The Respiratory System

Vocabulary flashcards for key terms related to the respiratory system.

Respiratory System

A series of organs responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.

Lungs

The primary organs of the respiratory system, responsible for gas exchange.

Alveoli

Air sacs at the end of the bronchioles where gas exchange occurs.

Gas Exchange

The process of oxygen entering the blood and carbon dioxide being expelled.

Trachea

The windpipe that connects the larynx to the bronchi.

Bronchi

The main passageways that branch from the trachea into the lungs.

Pharynx

The throat; connects the nose and mouth to the larynx and esophagus.

Epiglottis

A flap of cartilage that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.

Ciliated Mucous Membrane

A lining that helps trap debris and move it out of the respiratory system.

Surfactant

A fluid secreted by alveolar cells that reduces surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse.

Conducting Zone

Part of the upper respiratory tract that provides an airway for respiration and filters air.

Vocal Folds

The true vocal cords that vibrate to produce sound during speech.

Nasal Cavity

The space within the nose that filters, warms, and moistens the air we breathe.

Paranasal Sinuses

Air-filled spaces around the nasal cavity that help to lighten the skull and resonate sound.

Pleura

A thin serous membrane that covers the lungs and lines the thoracic cavity.

Larynx

Also known as the voice box; it routes air and food into the proper tube and produces vocal sounds.

Diaphragm

A muscle that aids in breathing by contracting and allowing the lungs to expand.

Goblet Cells

Mucous-producing cells in the respiratory tract that help trap debris.

Carina

The last tracheal cartilage that branches into the left and right main bronchi.

Bronchioles

The smallest branches of the bronchi leading to the alveoli.

Pharynx

The throat; connects the nose and mouth to the larynx and esophagus. It is divided into three subgroups: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Nasopharynx

The upper part of the pharynx, located behind the nose.

Oropharynx

The middle part of the pharynx, located behind the oral cavity.

Laryngopharynx

The lower part of the pharynx, located behind the larynx, leading to the esophagus.

Septum

The structure that divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils.

Sputum

Mucus that is coughed up from the lower airways; often used in diagnosing respiratory conditions.

Nasalocrimal Ducts

Ducts that drain tears from the eyes into the nasal cavity.

Paranasal Sinuses

Air-filled spaces around the nasal cavity that help to lighten the skull and resonate sound.

Epiglottis

A flap of cartilage that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.

Cricoid Cartilage

The only complete cartilage ring in the trachea, located below the thyroid cartilage and above the trachea.

Respiratory Zone Structures

Includes the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveolar sacs where gas exchange occurs.

Lobules in Lungs

Small subdivisions of the lung that contain clusters of alveoli; each lung contains approximately 100,000 lobules.

Glottis

The part of the larynx consisting of the vocal cords and the opening between them; plays a crucial role in sound production and protecting the airway during swallowing.