Respiratory System

Lobes

Distinct sections or divisions of an organ, particularly used in reference to the lungs or brain.

Asymmetrical

Lack of symmetry or balance between two sides.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) takes place.

Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins, facilitating the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products with tissues.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, leading to equal distribution.

Trachea

The windpipe, a tube connecting the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi, allowing the passage of air to and from the lungs.

Rings of Cartilage

Circular structures made of cartilage that provide support and prevent the collapse of tubular organs, such as the trachea.

Asphyxiation

The condition of being deprived of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness or death.

Choking

A blockage of the airway that prevents normal breathing, often caused by a foreign object.

Pharynx

The throat, a muscular tube that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx.

Larynx

The voice box, located in the neck, containing the vocal cords.

Bronchi

The large air passages that branch off from the trachea, leading to the lungs.

Bronchioles

Small, branching tubes within the lungs that connect the bronchi to the alveoli.

Diaphragm

A muscular sheet separating the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, essential for breathing.

Boyle’s Law (P1V1 = P2V2)

A gas law stating that, at a constant temperature, the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional.

Pleural Membrane

A double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs, creating a pleural cavity filled with pleural fluid that reduces friction during breathing.

Pleurisy

Inflammation of the pleura (lining around the lungs), causing pain during breathing.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often causing coughing and difficulty breathing.

Asthma

A chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.

Bronchodilator

Medication that dilates and relaxes the bronchial tubes, easing airflow and alleviating symptoms of conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Corticosteroids

Synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of hormones produced by the adrenal glands, often used to reduce inflammation in conditions such as asthma or autoimmune diseases.

Pneumonia

An inflammatory condition of the lungs affecting the air sacs, leading to symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Protection

Measures taken to prevent harm, damage, or illness; safeguarding against potential threats.

Snot

Informal term for nasal mucus, a secretion produced by the nasal mucosa.

Nose Hair

Fine hairs inside the nostrils that help filter and trap particles from the air, preventing them from entering the respiratory system.

Nares

The nostrils, the openings through which air enters the nasal cavity.

Cilia

Tiny hair-like structures on the surface of cells, often found in the respiratory tract, that move in coordinated waves to help move mucus and trapped particles out of the airways.

Smoking

Inhaling and exhaling the smoke produced by burning tobacco or other substances.

1st Hand Smoke

Inhaled directly by the smoker.

2nd Hand Smoke

Inhaled by non-smokers exposed to the smoke.

3rd Hand Smoke

Residual chemicals left on surfaces after smoking.

E-cigarettes

Electronic devices that simulate smoking by producing an aerosol, often containing nicotine.

Popcorn Lung (Bronchiolitis Obliterans)

A condition linked to inhaling certain chemicals, often associated with microwave popcorn production but also linked to some e-cigarette liquids.

Addiction - Nicotine

A complex condition characterized by compulsive drug-seeking, use, and dependence. In the context of smoking, nicotine is the addictive substance found in tobacco.