W2D1- Respiratory Anatomy (CSDI 206)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomical parts of the respiratory system, their functions, and related structures from the lecture notes.

Nasal cavity

The air-filled space behind the nose that conditions and filters air before it moves to the lungs (part of the upper respiratory tract).

Nostril

One of the external openings of the nasal cavity used for inhalation.

External naris

Another term for the nostril; external opening of the nasal cavity.

Pharynx

A muscular passageway that serves as a route for air and food, connecting the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus.

Larynx

Voice box; airway structure containing the vocal folds responsible for phonation.

Trachea

Semi-rigid windpipe with C-shaped cartilage; extends from the larynx to the main bronchi and splits into them.

Right main bronchus

The larger, shorter bronchus that more directly aligns with the trachea and feeds the right lung.

Left main bronchus

The narrower bronchus that feeds the left lung.

Mainstem bronchi

The two primary bronchi (right and left) that enter each lung.

Secondary (lobar) bronchi

Branches of the mainstem bronchi that supply each lung lobe (three on the right, two on the left).

Tertiary (segmental) bronchi

Smaller bronchi that supply bronchopulmonary segments within each lobe.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs between air and blood; about 300 million in an adult lung.

Lungs

Pair of organs for gas exchange; right lung has 3 lobes, left lung has 2 lobes due to heart position.

Right lung lobes

Upper, middle, and lower lobes.

Left lung lobes

Upper and lower lobes.

Pleura

Two-layer serous membranes enclosing the lungs: visceral pleura covers the lungs and parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity.

Visceral pleura

The pleural membrane that directly covers the lungs.

Parietal pleura

The pleural membrane that lines the inside of the thoracic cavity.

Pleural cavity

Potential space between visceral and parietal pleura containing pleural fluid to reduce friction.

Thorax (rib cage)

Skeletal framework of the chest consisting of the thoracic vertebrae, ribs, and sternum; houses the lungs.

Ribs (true/false/floating)

True ribs attach directly to the sternum (1–7); false ribs attach indirectly via cartilage (8–10); floating ribs (11–12) do not attach to the sternum.

Sternum

Breastbone; consists of the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

Costal cartilage

Cartilage attaching the ribs to the sternum or to other ribs, enabling rib cage flexibility.

Diaphragm

Primary muscle of inspiration; a dome-shaped muscle that divides the thorax and abdomen and increases thoracic volume when contracted.

Diaphragmatic openings

Three openings in the diaphragm for the aorta, esophagus, and vena cava.

External intercostal muscles

Muscles between ribs that elevate the rib cage during inspiration.

Internal intercostal muscles

Muscles between ribs that depress the rib cage during expiration.

Rectus abdominis

Abdominal muscle that helps expiration by pulling ribs downward and compressing abdominal viscera.

External oblique

Abdominal muscle that pulls lower ribs downward and helps compress the abdomen during expiration.

Internal oblique

Abdominal muscle that pulls ribs downward and supports expiration.

Transverse abdominis

Abdominal muscle that compresses abdominal viscera and supports expiration.

Abdominal aponeurosis

Broad tendon sheet from sternum to pubis that anchors abdominal muscles.

Linea alba

Midline fibrous structure where abdominal muscles attach; separates left and right abdomen muscles.

Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST)

Training to strengthen expiratory muscles (e.g., internal intercostals) to improve breath control for speech.

Three phases of speech production

Respiration, Phonation, and Resonation/Articulation.

Gas exchange site

Alveoli are the primary site where oxygen enters blood and carbon dioxide exits.