Structures to know: Respiratory System

Nares

The external openings of the nostrils that lead into the nasal cavity.

Nasal cavity

The space behind the nose that filters, warms, and moistens air before it enters the lungs.

Soft palate

The soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth, important for swallowing and speaking.

Hard palate

The bony anterior portion of the roof of the mouth that separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity.

Epiglottis

A flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe during swallowing to prevent food from blocking the airway.

Pharynx

The muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx and esophagus.

Larynx

The voice box, containing vocal cords and located below the pharynx.

Trachea

The windpipe; a tube that carries air to and from the lungs.

Pleura

The double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs, consisting of visceral and parietal pleura.

Lungs

The main organs of the respiratory system, responsible for gas exchange.

Apex of the lung

The uppermost part of the lung.

Base of the lung

The lowest part of the lung that rests on the diaphragm.

Right lung lobes

Contains three lobes: superior, middle, and inferior.

Left lung lobes

Contains two lobes: superior and inferior.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Bronchial tree

The branching system of air passages from the trachea to the lungs, including bronchi and bronchioles.

Hilum

The area on the lung's surface where blood vessels, nerves, and bronchi enter and exit.

Cardiac impression

An indentation on the left lung caused by the heart's position.