Chapter 1: The Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System

Vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomy and physiology concepts from Chapter 1 of Des Jardins' Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology.

Upper Airway

Consists of the nose, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx; functions include conducting air, humidifying and warming/cooling inspired air, preventing foreign materials from entering the tracheobronchial tree, and playing a role in speech and smell.

Nose

Filters, humidifies, and conditions inspired air and houses olfactory structures as part of the upper airway.

Oral Cavity

Part of the upper airway; includes the vestibule, tongue (intrinsic and extrinsic muscles), lingual frenulum, hard palate, soft palate, and palatine arches.

Vestibule (Oral Cavity)

Entrance area of the oral cavity that precedes the main oral cavity proper.

Tongue (Intrinsic/Extrinsic Muscles)

Muscles that control the shape and movement of the tongue; essential for speech, swallowing, and manipulation of food.

Lingual Frenulum

Mucous membrane fold attaching the tongue to the floor of the mouth, limiting tongue movement.

Hard Palate

Bony anterior part of the palate that separates the oral and nasal cavities.

Soft Palate

Flexible posterior part of the palate that closes off the nasopharynx during swallowing.

Palatine Arches

Arches of tissue containing lymphatic tissue that extend from the soft palate to the walls of the pharynx.

Pharynx

Muscular passage divided into nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx; conduit for inspired air and swallowed material.

Nasopharynx

Upper part of the pharynx behind the nasal cavity.

Oropharynx

Middle section of the pharynx behind the oral cavity; passage for air and food.

Laryngopharynx

Lower part of the pharynx leading to the esophagus and larynx.

Larynx

Voice box that routes air between pharynx and trachea, protects against aspiration, and generates sounds for speech.

Tracheobronchial Tree (Cartilaginous Airways)

Trachea and bronchi up to subsegmental levels; cartilage-supports the conducting airways that transport air to sites of gas exchange.

Tracheobronchial Tree (Noncartilaginous Airways)

Bronchioles and terminal bronchioles; conduct air and also serve as sites of gas exchange.

Primary Lobule

Functional unit of the lung; a parcel of alveolar units supplied by a terminal bronchiole, collectively part of the lung parenchyma.

Alveolar Epithelium

The epithelial lining of the alveoli where gas exchange occurs.

Pores of Kohn

Small pores between adjacent alveoli that allow collateral ventilation.

Alveolar Macrophages

Immune cells within alveoli that phagocytose inhaled particles and debris.

Interstitium

Connective tissue space around alveoli that provides support and participates in gas exchange processes.

Pulmonary Arteries/Arterioles/Capillaries/Venules/Veins

The pulmonary vascular system comprising all vessels that transport blood to and from the lungs for gas exchange.

Lymphatic System (Lungs)

Lymphatic vessels associated with bronchial airways and pulmonary vessels that drain interstitial fluid.

Autonomic Nervous System (Neural Control of the Lungs)

Regulates involuntary lung functions through sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Sympathetic Nervous System (Lung Effects)

Typically accelerates heart rate, constricts certain vessels, relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, and raises blood pressure.

Parasympathetic Nervous System (Lung Effects)

Typically slows heart rate, constricts bronchial smooth muscle, and increases glandular activity.

Bronchial Blood Supply

Systemic circulation via bronchial arteries that nourishes the walls of the bronchi and other conducting airways.

Mediastinum

Central compartment of the thoracic cavity containing the heart, great vessels, trachea, and esophagus.

Pleural Membranes

Two layers (visceral and parietal) with a pleural space between them that encase the lungs.

Diaphragm

Primary muscle of inspiration; separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and flattens to increase thoracic volume during inhalation.

Accessory Muscles of Inspiration

Muscles such as external intercostals, scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, and trapezius that assist in increasing thoracic volume during deep or labored inspiration.

Accessory Muscles of Expiration

Muscles including rectus abdominis, external/internal obliques, transversus abdominis, and internal intercostals that assist active expiration.