Human Body in Health and Illness - Key Terms and Concepts

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the respiratory system from the lecture notes.

Trachea

The windpipe that is supported by rings of cartilage.

Bronchioles

Respiratory tubes primarily composed of smooth muscle that determine the flow of air to the alveoli.

Diaphragm

The chief muscle of inhalation; contracts to expand the thoracic cavity.

Pleural membranes

Serous membranes that line the lungs and thoracic cavity.

Cadaveric spasm

A sudden stiffening of the body after death that occurs when the muscles contract.

Hemoglobin

The protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Surfactants

Substances found in the alveoli that reduce surface tension and prevent collapse.

Eupnea

Normal, quiet breathing.

Hypoventilation

Decreased ventilation resulting in increased carbon dioxide and decreased oxygen in the blood.

Dyspnea

Difficulty or labored breathing.

Intrapleural pressure

The pressure within the pleural cavity that is normally negative.

Kussmaul respirations

Deep, rapid breathing often associated with metabolic acidosis.

Acetylcholine

The neurotransmitter released at neuromuscular junctions that stimulates muscle contraction.

Intercostal muscles

Muscles located between the ribs that assist in breathing.

Medulla oblongata

The part of the brain that controls breathing.

Oxygen diffusion

The movement of oxygen from alveoli into the pulmonary capillaries.

Body plethysmography

A test that measures the volume of the thoracic cavity to assess lung function.

Bronchus

The larger air passages that branch from the trachea into the lungs.

Abdominal compression

Method that assists in forcing air out of the lungs during exhalation.

Hypoxemia

Low oxygen levels in the blood.

Acidosis

A condition in which there is excessive acidity in the blood and other body fluids.

Alveolar-capillary membrane

The barrier where gas exchange occurs between the alveoli and blood.

Negative feedback loop

A control mechanism that reduces output or activity when a system reaches a set point.