ch23

These flashcards cover vocabulary associated with the structure and function of the respiratory system, including definitions and key concepts.

Respiratory System

Composed of structures involved in ventilation and gas exchange.

Respiratory Tract

Functionally defined portion of the respiratory system.

Conducting Portion

Part of the respiratory tract from the nose to larger bronchioles.

Respiratory Portion

Part of the respiratory tract involving respiratory bronchioles and alveoli.

Upper Respiratory System

Includes the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx.

Lower Respiratory System

Includes the larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and bronchioles.

Respiratory Mucosa

Lining that provides filtration in the conducting portion.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that help propel mucus across the epithelial surface.

Mucosa

Composed of epithelium and lamina propria that covers the respiratory tract.

Lamina Propria

Connective tissue found beneath the respiratory epithelium.

Mucous Glands

Glands that secrete mucus to trap debris in inhaled air.

Macrophages

Immune cells that engulf debris and pathogens in the respiratory system.

Turbulent Flow

Air flow pattern created by structures in the nasal cavity to enhance humidification.

Pleura

Membrane surrounding the lungs; consists of visceral and parietal pleura.

Alveoli

Small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Surfactant

Substance produced by alveolar cells to reduce surface tension.

Emphysema

Chronic lung condition that involves damage to the alveoli.

Pleural Cavity

Space between the visceral and parietal pleura containing pleural fluid.

Hypoxia

Condition where tissues have inadequate oxygen levels.

Anoxia

Total lack of oxygen in tissues.

Ventilation

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

External Respiration

Gas exchange between alveoli and blood.

Internal Respiration

Gas exchange between blood and cells.

Pulmonary Ventilation

Movement of air in and out of the respiratory tract.

Bronchial Tree

The branching system of bronchi and bronchioles in the lungs.

Cystic Fibrosis

Genetic disorder affecting mucus production, leading to thickened mucus.

Pulmonary Embolism

Blockage of a pulmonary artery usually due to clots.

Alveolar Ducts

Small passages leading from respiratory bronchioles to alveoli.

Blood-Air Barrier

Barrier allowing gas exchange between blood and alveolar air.

Co2 Transport

Mechanisms through which carbon dioxide is carried in blood.

Oxygen Transport

Methods of transporting oxygen from lungs to tissues.

Alveolar Ventilation

The volume of air reaching the alveoli per minute.

Carbon Dioxide Dissociation

Process of CO2 leaving the red blood cells to enter alveoli.

Hemoglobin

Protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Bohr Effect

Effect of pH on hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Condition where CO binds to hemoglobin, preventing oxygen transport.

Eupnea

Normal, quiet breathing.

Hyperpnea

Forced breathing; increases ventilation.

Hypoventilation

Slow breathing leading to increased carbon dioxide levels.

Hyperventilation

Fast breathing leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels.

Pathogens

Microorganisms that can cause disease.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchi often caused by infection or smoking.

Sinuses

Air-filled spaces in the skull that help humidify and filter air.

Thyroid Cartilage

Largest cartilage of the larynx, also known as the Adam's apple.

Cricoid Cartilage

Ring-shaped cartilage located below the thyroid cartilage in the larynx.

Pharynx

Connecting passageway for food and air.

Trachea

Windpipe; conducts air from larynx to bronchi.

Alveolar Macrophages

Immune cells located in the alveoli that remove debris.

Gaseous Diffusion

Process by which gases move from areas of high concentration to low concentration.

Diaphragm

Primary muscle involved in breathing that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles between the ribs that aid in breathing.

Spirometry

Test used to measure the volume of air inhaled and exhaled.

Minimally Invasive

Procedures performed with minimal incisions and recovery time.

Conducting Zone

Part of the respiratory system that delivers air to the lungs.

Respiratory Rate

Number of breaths taken per minute.

Vital Capacity

Maximum amount of air exhaled after maximum inhalation.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

Amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation.

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

Amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after normal exhalation.

Total Lung Capacity

Total volume of air the lungs can hold.

Residual Volume

Amount of air remaining in the lungs after maximum exhalation.