Respiratory System Anatomy & Physiology NUR4032

These vocabulary flashcards cover the anatomy, physiological processes, circulation, and gas transport mechanisms of the human respiratory system as presented in the NUR4032 lecture.

Nasal cavity

A structure in the upper respiratory tract that warms, moistens, and filters air

Pharynx

A passageway for air and food consisting of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx that provides immune protection.

Epiglottis

A structure that protects the airway during the process of swallowing.

Larynx

The voice box

Trachea

A structure connecting the larynx to the bronchi; it features C-shaped cartilage and cleans, warms, and moistens air.

Bronchial tree

A subdivided system of passages including the primary, lobar, and segmental bronchi that connects the trachea to the alveoli for air conduction.

Intercostal muscles

Muscles connected to the ribcage that facilitate breathing.

Diaphragm

A muscle connected to the lungs that separates the abdomen from the thorax and facilitates breathing.

Pulmonary circulation

The process of transporting deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle via the pulmonary artery to the alveoli, and returning oxygenated blood to the left atrium via the pulmonary vein.

Systemic circulation (Respiratory)

The transport of oxygenated blood from the left ventricle via the aorta and bronchial artery to lung tissues, returning to the right atrium via the bronchial vein and vena cava.

Bronchial artery

The vessel that transports oxygenated blood to lung tissues so they can function.

Alveoli

Tiny, thin-walled air sacs approximately $500$ million in a healthy adult that provide a large surface area for gaseous exchange.

Respiratory membrane

A barrier between the lungs and blood composed of alveolar and capillary wall cells, measuring approximately $0.5\,\text{nm}$ in thickness.

Type 1 alveolar cells

Cells within the respiratory membrane specialized for the diffusion of gases.

Type 2 alveolar cells

Cells that repair the respiratory membrane and secrete a lubricant/surfactant to prevent alveolar collapse.

Alveolar macrophage

A cell type that ingests debris and contributes to the immune response within the alveoli.

Aerobic respiration formula

$$\text{Fuel (glucose)} + O_2 = ATP + CO_2 + H_2O$$

Pulmonary ventilation

The process of how air gets in and out of the lungs, commonly known as breathing.

External respiration

The process of how $O_2$ and $CO_2$ diffuse to and from the bloodstream and the lungs.

Internal respiration

The exchange of $O_2$ and $CO_2$ between the blood and cells during $ATP$ production.

Boyle’s Law

The principle stating that at a fixed temperature, the pressure exerted by a gas is inversely proportional to its volume

Inspiration

An active process where the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, the thoracic cavity expands, and air is drawn in as intrathoracic pressure decreases.

Expiration

A mostly passive process where the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, the thoracic cavity recoils, and air is pushed out as intrathoracic pressure increases.

Lung compliance

A factor of the work of breathing that describes how easy it is to stretch the lungs during inhalation.

Tidal volume ($V_T$)

The measurement of the amount of air going in and out of the lungs in a single breath.

Minute volume ($V_E$)

Total volume of air per minute calculated as $\text{Tidal volume} \times \text{respiration rate}$.

Medulla oblongata

The control centre in the brain responsible for regulating the rate of breathing.

Pons

The control centre in the brain responsible for regulating the depth and volume of breathing.

Oxyhaemoglobin

The compound formed when oxygen binds with the iron ions in haemoglobin

Hypoxaemia

A condition characterized by low oxygen levels in the blood.

Hypoxia

A condition characterized by low oxygen levels in the tissues.

Hypercapnia

A condition characterized by high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Normal blood pH

The standard physiological range for blood which is $7.35-7.45$.

Cyanosis

A blue tinge in the skin and mucous membranes occurring as a result of hypoxia.