Introduction to the Respiratory System and Its Functions

Oxygen Intake

The process of bringing oxygen into the body, which is necessary for the proper function of every cell.

Carbon Dioxide Removal

The process of removing carbon dioxide, a waste product generated by cellular processes.

Air Filtration

The protective role of the respiratory system that involves filtering, warming, and humidifying the air we breathe.

Sense of Smell

One of the sensory functions of the respiratory system that is involved in detecting odors.

Sound Production

The role of the respiratory system in the production of sound, such as speech and vocalization.

Alveol/o

Alveoli

Bronch/o

Bronchial tube

Cyan/o

Blue

Epiglott/o

Epiglottis

Hem/o

Blood

Laryng/o

Larynx, Voice box

Nas/o

Nose

Orth/o

Straight

Ox/i

Oxygen

Pharyng/o

Pharynx, throat

Phon/o

Sound, voice

Pneumon/o

Lung, air

Pulmon/o

Lung

Py/o

Pus

Rhin/o

nose

Sinus/o

sinuses

Somn/o

Sleep

Spir/o

To breathe

Thorac/o

Chest, pleural cavity

Trache/o

Trachea, windpipe

ARDS

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

CAP

Community acquired pneumonia

CF

Cystic fibrosis

CO2

Carbon dioxide

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure

CXR

Chest x-ray

LLL

Left lower lobe (of lung)

LUL

Left upper lobe (of lung)

NG tube

Nasogastric tube

O2

Oxygen

OSA

Obstructive sleep apnea

PE

Pulmonary embolism

PFT

Pulmonary function test

PNA

Pneumonia

PPD

Tuberculin skin test (stands for purified protein derivative)

RLL

Right lower lobe (of lung)

RUL

Right upper lobe (of lung)

SOB

Shortness of breath

TB

Tuberculosis

URI

Upper respiratory infection

Acute

A disease or symptom that begins suddenly or worsens quickly

Aspiration

The accidental breathing in of food or fluid into the lungs

Chronic

A disease or symptom persisting for a long time

Edema

An abnormal accumulation of fluid in certain tissues within the body

Effusion

Escape of fluid from blood or lymph vessels into the tissues or body cavity

Exacerbation

An increase in the severity of a disease; worsening

Exhalation

The act of breathing out

Fibrosis

Normal tissue is replaced by hardened tissue

Inhalation

The act of drawing air into the lungs

Interstitial

The spaces around a tissue or an organ

Intubation

Insertion of a plastic tube into the trachea to maintain an open airway

Latent

Describes a condition that is present but not active or causing symptoms

Mucous membrane

Sheetlike tissues that act as a lining with cells that secrete mucus

Nosocomial

Acquired in a hospital, especially in reference to an infection

Phlegm

A type of mucus made in the lower respiratory tract

Respiration

The exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide; breathing

Septum

Wall that separates two sides, such as between the nostrils or the chambers of the heart

Serous membrane

Sheetlike tissues that act as a lining with cells that secrete fluid

Sputum

Phlegm that is coughed up and ejected through the mouth

Stoma

The surgically created opening on a body surface following a colostomy or tracheostomy

Visceral

Relating to the soft internal organs of the body, including the lungs, the heart, and the organs of the digestive, urinary, reproductive, and circulatory systems

Nasal Cavity

Air enters the body through the nares (nostrils) into the nasal cavity, which is lined with a mucous membrane.

Mucus

A sticky substance that traps pathogens, dust, and pollen.

Olfactory Receptors

Located in the upper nasal cavity, these receptors detect smell.

Paranasal Sinuses

Air-filled cavities surrounding the nasal cavity that reduce skull weight, produce mucus, and act as resonating chambers for voice.

Pharynx

Also called the throat, it is a shared passageway for air and food.

Larynx

Known as the voice box, located between the pharynx and trachea.

Trachea

Commonly called the windpipe, it is the main airway to the lungs.

Lungs

Organs that expand and contract to bring in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.

Pleura

A double-layered membrane that encloses each lung.

Bronchi

The main air passages that branch from the trachea to each lung.

Bronchioles

Smaller branches of the bronchi that lead to terminal bronchioles.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs at the end of bronchioles, where gas exchange occurs.

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped muscle beneath the lungs that enables breathing.

Chronic Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchi due to repeated irritant exposure.

Emphysema

Long-term damage to alveoli, commonly seen in smokers.

Asthma

Chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often triggered by allergens.

Bronchospasm

Sudden tightening of the bronchial muscles, restricting airflow.

Eupnea

Normal, easy breathing.

Apnea

Temporary absence of breathing.

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergy-triggered nasal inflammation with mucus overproduction.

Nonallergic Rhinitis

Nasal inflammation due to irritants like cold air or medication.

Croup

Viral infection in children causing larynx swelling, hoarseness, barking cough, and stridor.

Epistaxis

Nosebleed.

Influenza

Viral infection characterized by fever, chills, and muscle pain.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Bacterial infection causing spasmodic coughing.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Highly contagious virus, common in infants.

Rhinorrhea

Runny nose.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinuses.

Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the pharynx, commonly known as sore throat.

Laryngospasm

Sudden involuntary closure of the larynx.

Aphonia

Inability to produce speech.

Dysphonia

Difficulty speaking, including hoarseness or cracking.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx.