Respiratory System Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the components and functions of the human respiratory system based on the lecture notes.

Breathing

The movement of air into and out of the lungs.

Cellular respiration

A series of chemical reactions inside the cell by which cells obtain energy from glucose.

Aerobic respiration

The process in which oxygen and glucose are used to release energy.

Gas exchange

The process of obtaining oxygen and getting rid of carbon dioxide with the environment.

Nostrils

The external openings of the nose containing hairs that lead into the nasal cavity.

Goblet cells

Cells located between ciliated epithelial cells that produce a sticky fluid called mucus.

Mucus

A thin layer of sticky fluid that moistens the air and traps particles of dust or smoke.

Cilia

Structures in the respiratory system that beat toward the back of the throat up to $1,000$ times a minute to sweep trapped particles and mucus.

Pharynx

A channel at the back of the mouth where air is drawn from the nasal passages.

Larynx

Also called the voice box, it is a cartilaginous structure that surrounds the upper end of the trachea.

Glottis

The cavity of the larynx.

Epiglottis

A cartilaginous structure associated with the larynx.

Trachea

A tube running from the pharynx to the lungs held open by C-shaped rings of cartilage.

Bronchi

The two divisions of the trachea, with one tube leading to each lung.

Bronchioles

A mass of very fine branches formed from the repeated division of the bronchus inside the lungs.

Alveolar ducts

Short tubes of equal diameter that branch from the bronchioles.

Air sacs

Tiny hollow bags located at the end of alveolar ducts.

Alveoli

Bubble-like pockets in the walls of air sacs that serve as the respiratory surface of a mammal.