Respiratory System Medical Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards covering combining forms, prefixes, suffixes, diseases, diagnostic terms, signs, symptoms, and medical procedures of the respiratory system based on the lecture transcript.

atel/o

imperfect, incomplete

capn/o

carbon dioxide

coni/o

dust

atelectasis

incomplete expansion (of the lung or portion of the lung)

bronchiectasis

dilation of the bronchi

bronchogenic carcinoma

cancerous tumor originating in a bronchus (also referred to as lung cancer)

diaphragmatocele

hernia of the diaphragm (also called diaphragmatic hernia)

hemothorax

blood in the chest cavity (pleural cavity)

laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB)

inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi (the acute form is called croup)

pneumoconiosis

abnormal condition of dust in the lungs

pneumothorax

air in the chest cavity (specifically, the pleural cavity, which causes collapse of the lung and is often a result of an open chest wound)

pyothorax

pus in the chest cavity (pleural cavity) (also called empyema)

acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

life-threatening lung condition caused by disease or injury. Fluid accumulates in the alveoli, resulting in hypoxemia. Symptoms include dyspnea, tachypnea, and cyanosis.

asthma

respiratory disease characterized by coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, caused by constriction and inflammation of airways that is reversible between attacks

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

progressive lung disease obstructing air flow, which makes breathing difficult. Chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema are the two main components of COPD.

coccidioidomycosis (cocci)

fungal disease affecting the lungs and sometimes other organs of the body (also called valley fever)

coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a strain of the coronavirus; symptoms range from none to severe.

croup

condition resulting from acute obstruction of the larynx, characterized by a barking cough, hoarseness, and stridor. Occurs mainly in children. (also called laryngotracheobronchitis)

cystic fibrosis (CF)

hereditary disorder of the exocrine glands characterized by excess mucus production in the respiratory tract, pancreatic deficiency, and other symptoms

diphtheria

serious bacterial infection affecting the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It creates a thick, gray sheet covering the pharynx, which can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, and even death.

emphysema

loss of elasticity of the alveoli resulting in distention causing stretching of the lung. As a result, the body does not receive enough oxygen. (component of COPD)

epistaxis

nosebleed (also called rhinorrhagia)

idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)

chronic progressive lung disorder characterized by increasing scarring, which ultimately reduces the capacity of the lungs; etiology unknown.

influenza (flu)

contagious respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus; most illness observed in flu season is caused by influenza virus types A and B.

obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

repetitive pharyngeal collapse during sleep, which leads to transient periods of apnea (absence of breathing); can produce daytime drowsiness and elevated blood pressure

pertussis

highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract characterized by a severe hacking cough, followed by an acute crowing inspiration, or whoop (also called whooping cough)

pleural effusion

fluid in the pleural cavity caused by a disease process or trauma

pulmonary edema

fluid accumulation in the alveoli and bronchioles; may be a manifestation of heart failure

pulmonary embolism (PE)

matter foreign to the circulation, carried to the pulmonary artery and its branches, where it blocks circulation to the lungs and can be fatal if of sufficient size or number.

tuberculosis (TB)

infectious bacterial disease, most commonly spread by inhalation of small particles and usually affecting the lungs; may spread to other organs

upper respiratory infection (URI)

infection of the nasal cavity, pharynx, or larynx usually caused by a virus (commonly called a cold)

thoracentesis

surgical puncture to aspirate fluid from the chest cavity (also called thoracocentesis)

pleurodesis

fusion of the pleura (procedure to close the space between the parietal pleura lining the thoracic cavity and the visceral pleura lining the lungs to prevent the buildup of fluid)

polysomnography (PSG)

process of recording many (tests) during sleep (performed to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea). Tests include electrooculography, electrocardiography, electromyography, electroencephalography, air flow monitoring, and oximetry.

capnometer

instrument used to measure carbon dioxide (levels in expired gas)

oximeter

instrument used to measure oxygen (saturation in the blood)

spirometer

instrument used to measure breathing (or lung volumes)

chest computed tomography (CT) scan

computerized radiographic images of the chest performed to diagnose tumors, abscesses, and pleural effusion

lung ventilation/perfusion scan (V/Q scan)

two nuclear scan tests, one to measure air flow throughout the lungs (ventilation), and one to measure circulation to all areas of the lungs (perfusion). A V/Q scan is used most often to help diagnose or rule out a pulmonary embolism (PE).

acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear

test performed on sputum to determine the presence of acid-fast bacilli, which cause tuberculosis

arterial blood gas (ABG)

test performed on arterial blood to determine levels of oxygen ($O_2$), carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), and pH (acidity)

peak flow meter (PFM)

portable instrument used to measure air flow early in forced exhalation; helps monitor asthma and adjust medication accordingly

pulmonary function tests (PFTs)

group of tests performed to measure breathing capacity and used to determine external respiratory function; when abnormal, they are useful in distinguishing COPD from asthma.

pulse oximetry

noninvasive method of measuring oxygen in the blood by using a device that attaches to the fingertip

auscultation

the act of listening through a stethoscope for sounds within the body that are abnormal and that suggest abnormalities or disease; used for assessing and diagnosing conditions of the lungs, pleura, heart, arteries, and abdomen

percussion

the act of tapping of a body surface to determine the density of the part beneath by the sound obtained.

PPD skin test

test performed on individuals who may have been exposed to tuberculosis. PPD (purified protein derivative) of the tuberculin bacillus is injected intradermally.

acapnia

condition of absence (less than normal level) of carbon dioxide (in the blood); (lab finding)

anoxia

condition of absence (deficiency) of oxygen; (lab finding)

aphonia

condition of absence of voice

apnea

absence of breathing

dysphonia

condition of difficult speaking (voice)

dyspnea

difficult breathing

eupnea

normal breathing

hemoptysis

coughing of blood (or blood-stained sputum)

hypercapnia

condition of excessive carbon dioxide (in the blood); (lab finding)

hyperpnea

excessive breathing

hypocapnia

condition of deficient carbon dioxide (in the blood); (lab finding)

hypopnea

deficient breathing

hypoxemia

deficient oxygen in the blood; (lab finding)

hypoxia

condition of deficient oxygen (to the tissues); (lab finding)

orthopnea

breathing (more easily) in a straight (upright position)

rhinorrhea

discharge from the nose (as in a cold)

tachypnea

rapid breathing

crackles

discontinuous sounds heard primarily with a stethoscope during inspiration that resemble the sound of the rustling of cellophane

rhonchi

low-pitched, with a snoring quality, breath sounds heard with a stethoscope suggesting secretions in the large airways

stridor

harsh, high-pitched breath sound heard on inspiration; indicates an acute laryngeal obstruction

wheeze

whistling noise with a high pitch, caused by air flowing through narrowed airways

nebulizer

device that creates a mist used to deliver medication for giving respiratory treatment

ventilator

mechanical device used to assist with or substitute for breathing

mucopurulent

containing both mucus and pus

patent

open, the opposite of closed or compromised, thus allowing passage of air, as in patent trachea and bronchi

sputum

mucus from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea expelled through the mouth by coughing (also called phlegm)

nosocomial infection

an infection acquired during hospitalization