Respiratory System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system to aid in exam preparation.

Upper division of the respiratory tract

Includes structures found in the head and neck superior to the larynx, such as the external nose, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and pharynx.

Lower division of the respiratory tract

Includes the larynx and all structures below it, such as the trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Functions of the nasal cavity

Filters, warms, and moistens incoming air; serves as a resonating chamber for the voice; involved in smell.

Pharynx

Connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus, divided into nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Thyroid cartilage

Hyaline cartilage that forms the framework of the larynx and contains the laryngeal prominence or Adam’s apple.

Bronchi

A series of branching respiratory tubes that divide from the trachea into primary, secondary, and tertiary bronchi.

Alveoli

Balloon-like pockets at the end of alveolar ducts; sites of gas exchange, composed of a single layer of simple squamous epithelium.

Pleurae

Double-layered serous membranes surrounding each lung; includes parietal pleura (outer layer) and visceral pleura (inner layer).

External respiration

Gas exchange between air and blood in the lungs.

Internal respiration

Gas exchange between blood and tissues.

Inspiration

The process of air moving into the lungs

• Inspiratory muscles contract

• Intrapulmonary volume increases

• Intrapulmonary pressure decreases

Expiration

The process of air moving out of the lungs

• Inspiratory muscles relax

• Intrapulmonary volume decreases

• Intrapulmonary pressure increases

Spirometer

A device used to measure the volume of air expired during breathing.

Respiratory sounds

Sounds produced during breathing, including bronchial sounds and vesicular breathing sounds; can indicate respiratory health.

Obstructive diseases

Conditions that increase resistance in the airways, leading to normal vital capacity but decreased airflow, such as asthma.

Restrictive diseases

Conditions that result in a decline in lung capacity, affecting vital capacity, such as polio and tuberculosis.

Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system

A buffer system that maintains blood pH by regulating the concentration of carbonic acid and bicarbonate in the blood.

Respiratory alkalosis

A condition resulting from hyperventilation, leading to a decrease in carbonic acid production and increased blood pH.

Respiratory acidosis

A condition resulting from hypoventilation, leading to increased carbonic acid production and decreased blood pH.