Lungs and Respiratory System

Flashcards providing vocabulary terms and their definitions related to the lungs and respiratory system, covering anatomy, physiology, common conditions, and examination markers.

Oxygenation

allows adequate perfusion to deliver oxygenated blood to tissues and remove metabolic waste, and supporting intracranial function.

Respiratory system

Supplies oxygen to cells and removes carbon dioxide using processes of ventilation and diffusion.

Ventilation

The process of moving gases in and out of lungs by inspiration and expiration.

Diffusion

The process by which oxygen and carbon dioxide move from areas of high concentration to areas of lower concentration.

Erythrocytes

Blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Cardiovascular system

Provides transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveoli and cells.

Thorax (chest)

The bodily area containing the mediastinum and right and left pleural cavities.

Mediastinum

Positioned in the middle of the chest, containing the heart, arch of aorta, superior vena cava, lower esophagus, and lower part of trachea.

Pleural cavities

Cavities within the thorax that contain the lungs.

Parietal pleura

A serous membrane that protects the chest wall and diaphragm.

Visceral pleura

A serous membrane that protects the lungs.

Pleural fluid

A small amount of fluid lubricating the space between pleurae to reduce friction during lung movement.

Right lung

Has three lobes: upper, middle, and lower.

Left lung

Has two lobes: upper and lower.

Fissure

A division within the lung, such as the major (oblique) fissure separating upper and lower portions, or the lesser (horizontal) fissure dividing the upper right lung into upper and middle lobes.

Thoracic cage

Protects most of the respiratory system, consisting of 12 thoracic vertebrae, 12 pairs of ribs, and the sternum.

Sternum

A breastbone about 7 inches long with three components: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

Intercostal space (ICS)

The area between ribs, named according to the rib immediately above it.

Primary muscles of inspiration

The diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

Inspiration

The process where the diaphragm contracts and pushes abdominal contents down, while intercostal muscles push the chest wall outward, decreasing intrathoracic pressure to draw air into the lungs.

Expiration

The process where muscles relax, expelling air as intrathoracic pressure rises.

Accessory muscles of respiration

Muscles that assist with breathing, including sternocleidomastoid, scalenus, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior/posterior, rectus abdominus (anterior), transverse thoracic,

Upper airway

Consists of the nose, pharynx, larynx,

• functions to conduct air, protect the lower airway, and warm, filter, and humidify inspired air

Lower airway

Consists of the trachea, right and left main stem bronchi, segmental and subsegmental bronchi, terminal bronchioles, leading to alveoli for gas exchange.

Alveoli

Terminal air sacs within the lungs where gas exchanges occur.

Suprasternal notch

A depression at the ventral aspect of the neck, just above the manubrium.

Manubriosternal junction (Angle of Louis)

The junction between the manubrium and body of the sternum; useful for rib identification.

Midsternal line

An imaginary vertical line through the middle of the sternum.

Midclavicular lines

Imaginary vertical lines on the right and left sides of the chest drawn through clavicle midpoints, parallel to the midsternal line.

Anterior axillary lines

Imaginary vertical lines drawn from anterior axillary folds through the anterolateral chest, parallel to the midsternal line.

Posterior axillary lines

Imaginary vertical lines drawn from posterior axillary folds along the posterolateral thoracic wall with an abducted lateral arm.

Midaxillary lines

Imaginary vertical lines drawn from axillary apices, midway between and parallel to anterior and posterior axillary lines.

Vertebra prominens

The spinous process of C7; visible and palpable with the head bent forward.

Vertebral line

An imaginary vertical line drawn along posterior vertebral spinous processes.

Scapular lines

Imaginary vertical lines on the right and left sides of the chest drawn parallel to the midspinal line, passing through the inferior angles of the scapulae.

-pena suffixes

• dyspnea : S.O.B

• tachypnea: rapid breathing 

• orthopenea: difficulty breathing while lying flat.

• apnea: temporary cessation of breathing.

Inspection of Chest and Lung 

• symmetry 

• lung expansion

• when assessing quality of respirations: chest wall is inspected

abnormal chest palpitations

• nurse notes sensations like crepitus, grating, vibrations, tactile fremitus

Inspect nails, skin, and lips for 

• color, temperature, and texture changes that may indicate oxygenation issues.

• such as : clubbing, cyanosis, edema

Nurse ausculates vocal renosance by

• asking patient to recite numbers or words when stethoscope is against pts chest 

• nurse evaluates vocal resonance for bronchophony, pectorilquy, ego phony 

Diaphragm is 

• preferred for lung auscultation

• nurse should listen during inhalation and exhalation going from superior, inferior, apex then base

Assessing lateral and anterior chest 

• raise hand overhead 

• head straight 

rhonchi 

loud, low, coarse sounds heard continuously during inspiration or exhalation (snore like)

• resulting from airflow obstruction like COPD, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia

• think rumble

wheeze

• musical noise sounding like a squeak that is louder on expiration 

• It often indicates narrowed airways due to conditions such as asthma or COPD.

• think whistles

pleural friction rub

• dry grating sound

• produced by pleura rubbing together during respiration, often indicating pleuritis or pleural effusion.

• think pebbles rubbing together

• indicates WORSENING pneumonia

Crackles

• think liquid bubbling or crackling (Crazy Fluid)

• fine crackles: high pitched (rubbing hair on fingers)

• coarse crackles: low pitched (velcro being pulled away)

• occurs because alveoli are “popping” due to inflammation

• common for pulmonary edema and pneumonia

stridor 

• think serious squeak (medical emergency)

• harsh, high-pitched sound during inspiration.

• Typically indicates an upper airway obstruction or severe respiratory distress like choking, croup

Acute bronchitis

Inflammation of mucous membranes of the bronchial tree caused by viruses or bacteria.

• rhonci or crackles frequently heard

• symptoms: cough, fever, malaise, tachypnea 

Pneumonia

Inflammation of terminal bronchioles and alveoli, potentially caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, mycoplasma, or aspiration of gastric secretions.

• clear sputum (viral), yellow/green (bacterial), fever, tachypnea, dyspnea

• crackles and wheezes 

Tuberculosis

A contagious, bacterial infection particularly affecting the lungs, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

• weight loss, fatigue, fever , blood tinged sputum 

Pleural effusion

Accumulation of serous fluid in the pleural space

• intercostal bulging, decreased chest wall movement , dyspnea 

Asthma

A hyperreactive airway disease characterized by bronchoconstriction, airway obstruction, and inflammation, occurring in response to various triggers.

Emphysema

Destruction of alveolar walls causing permanent abnormal enlargement of air spaces.

• PINK symptoms

• wheezing and crackles upon auscultation 

• decreased diaphragmatic excursion on palpitation 

Chronic bronchitis

Characterized by hypersecretion of mucus by goblet cells of the trachea and bronchi, resulting in a productive cough for 3 months in each of two successive years, typically caused by irritants or infection.

• B.L.U.E 

Pneumothorax

A condition resulting from air in the pleural spaces, which can be closed (spontaneous, traumatic, iatrogenic), open (penetrating injury/procedure), or tension (air leaks into pleura and cannot escape).

Hemothorax

A condition resulting from blood in the pleural space, caused by chest injury or as a complication of thoracic surgery.

Atelectasis

Refers to collapsed alveoli caused by external pressure (compression atelectasis) or by removal of air from hypoventilation or obstruction by secretions (absorption atelectasis).

• absent breathe sounds

Lung cancer

Uncontrolled growth of anaplastic cells in the lung, often caused by agents like tobacco smoke, asbestos, or radiation.

• persistent cough, congestion , hemoptysis, labored breathing

• wheezes