Body Structures & Functions - The Respiratory System

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the respiratory system.

alveolar sacs

Clusters of alveoli.

asthma

Episodes of breathing difficulty due to narrowed or obstructed airways.

atelectasis

Collapsed lung; incomplete expansion of alveoli.

bradypnea

Slow breathing.

bronchioles

Airways in the lungs that lead from the bronchi to the alveoli.

bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

bronchoscopy

The visual examination of the bronchi using a bronchoscope.

bronchus

One of the two tubes that connect the lungs with the trachea.

cellular respiration

The process by which cells use oxygen to produce energy from food.

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.

coughing

The act of exhaling air suddenly with a noise.

cricoid cartilage

The ring-shaped structure that forms the lower portion of the larynx.

diaphragm

Large, flat muscle at the bottom of the chest cavity that helps with breathing.

dyspnea

Difficulty breathing.

epiglottis

A flap of tissue that seals off the windpipe and prevents food from entering.

expiration

Breathing out.

external nares

Two openings of the nose; also known as nostrils.

hiccoughs

Spasms of the diaphragm and spasmodic closures of the glottis.

inspiration

Breathing in.

intercostal muscles

Muscles between the ribs.

internal respiration

Exchange of gases between cells of the body and the blood.

laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx.

larynx

Voice box; passageway for air moving from pharynx to trachea; contains vocal cords.

Mantoux test

Intrademal test to determine tuberculin sensitivity based on a positive reaction.

mediastinum

Centrally located space between the lungs.

nasal septum

Partition separating the right and left nasal cavities.

olfactory nerves

Nerves responsible for the sense of smell.

pharyngitis

Inflammation of the pharynx.

pharynx

Throat.

pleura

Double-layered membrane surrounding each lung.

pleural fluid

Liquid that surrounds the lungs.

pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs.

pneumothorax

Collapsed lung.

pulmonary embolism

Clot or other material lodged in vessels of the lung.

sinus

Hollow space.

sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinuses.

sneezing

Involuntary expulsion of air from the nose.

spirometer

Instrument used to measure breathing.

tachypnea

Rapid breathing.

thoracentesis

Surgical puncture to remove fluid from the pleural space.

thyroid cartilage

Firm prominence that forms the upper part of the larynx; also known as the Adam's apple.

Tuberculosis

Contagious lung disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

ventilation

Movement of air in and out of the lungs.

wheezing

High pitched sound heard in the lungs with asthmatics or lung disease.

yawning

Deep prolonged breath that fills the lungs, increases oxygen within the blood.