Respiratory System

Alveoli

Site of gas exchange

Bronchi

Receive inspired air from the trachea and move it into the bronchioles.

Bronchioles

Connect the bronchi to the alveoli of the lungs. They have a layer of smooth muscle that allows bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation, regulating the amount of air reaching the alveoli.

Diaphragm

Skeletal muscle associated with quiet (normal) breathing that separates the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Epiglottis

A flap of cartilage at the root of the tongue, which is depressed during swallowing to cover the opening of the windpipe.

Glottis

The part of the larynx consisting of the vocal cords and the opening between them. It affects voice modulation through expansion or contraction.

Larynx

The ________ is a hollow structure connected to the top of the trachea and is the passage through which inspired air moves into the bronchi of the lungs.

Nasal cavity

The ______________ has a defined role in filtering and humidifying air for presentation to the lower airway.

Pharynx

The throat in the respiratory system receives air from the nose or the mouth and then moves the air past the epiglottis into the larynx. In the digestive system it receives food from the mouth and moves it into the esophagus.

Pleura

a serous double membrane that protects the lungs.

Trachea

Large tube reinforced by cartilage rings that keep it from collapsing. Connects the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs.

Ventilation

The movement of respiratory gases between the atmosphere and the alveoli of the lungs → consists of two cyclic phases: inspiration & expiration.

Boyle’s Law

Volume is inversely related to pressure.

Diffusion

The process of gas exchange in the lungs, which is a passive transport mechanism; oxygen moves into the blood from the lungs while carbon dioxide in the blood moves into the lungs.

Partial Pressure

Pressure of a single gas in a mixture of gases.

Ventilation

Is the movement of respiratory gases between the atmosphere and the alveoli of the lungs → consist of two cyclic phases: inspiration & expiration

Carbonic Acid

Weak acid that forms from carbon dioxide and water.

Medulla Oblongata

Lower portion of the brainstem.

Phrenic Nerve

Nerve that controls the diaphragm.

Pons

Middle portion of the brainstem.

Respiratory Acidosis

Acidic condition in the blood caused by increased carbon dioxide.

Respiratory Alkalosis

Alkaline condition in the blood caused by a decrease in carbon dioxide.

Surface Tension

Force created by weak bonds between water molecules.

Surfactant

Substance secreted by Type II Alveolar Cells that reduces surface tension.

Type I Alveolar Cells

Mucous-secreting cells lining the inside of the alveolus.

Type II Alveolar Cells

Surfactant-secreting cells lining the inside of the alveolus.

Asthma

A respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airway. 

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease consisting of bronchitis and emphysema that causes decreased gas exchange in the lungs. 

Influenza

A viral disorder that affects either the upper or lower respiratory systems or both. 

Pneumonia

A viral or bacterial infection characterized by fluid buildup in the lungs. 

Residual Volume

The amount of air remaining in the lungs after a forceful exhalation. 

Spirometry

Test for volumes of air entering and exiting the lungs that is conducted using a Spirometer that measures air flow. 

Tuberculosis

Infectious bacterial disease of the lungs that can affect other parts of the body. 

Tidal Volume

The amount of air entering or exiting the lungs during resting breathing.