The Respiratory System

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, physiology, and functions of the human respiratory system based on the lecture notes by Dr. Barrack.

Respiratory System

A network of organs and tissues, including airways, lungs, blood vessels, and muscles, that work together to move oxygen throughout the body and remove carbon dioxide.

Four Main Functions of the Respiratory System

Acid-base balance, Phonation, Gas exchange, and Pulmonary defense and metabolism.

External Intercostal Muscles

A layer of muscles located between the ribs that elevate the ribs and expand the chest cavity during inhalation.

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped, muscular partition that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity; it is the primary muscle of respiration.

Upper Respiratory Tract

The division of the respiratory system containing organs in the head and neck, specifically from the nose through the larynx.

Lower Respiratory Tract

The division of the respiratory system containing organs of the thorax, specifically from the trachea through the lungs.

Nasopharynx

The section of the pharynx that lies dorsal to the soft palate, receives the Eustachian tubes, and houses the pharyngeal tonsil.

Oropharynx

The part of the throat located behind the oral cavity that includes the back third of the tongue, the soft palate, the side and back walls of the throat, and the tonsils.

Laryngopharynx

The region where the nasopharynx and oropharynx unite at the level of the hyoid bone, ending at the level of the cricoid cartilage.

Vibrissae

Guard hairs located in the vestibule of the nose that function to block insects and debris.

Nasal Septum

The dividing wall of the nasal cavity composed of the vomer (inferior part) and the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone (superior part).

Palate

The structure forming the floor of the nasal cavity that separates it from the oral cavity, allowing for breathing while food is in the mouth.

Uvula

A fleshy hanging ball in the back of the throat that is part of the soft palate and helps prevent food and liquid from entering the nose during swallowing.

Epiglottis

A flap of tissue that sits beneath the tongue and closes over the trachea while eating to prevent food from entering the airway.

Epistaxis

Medical term for a nosebleed, often caused by trauma to the lower nasal septum, usually involving the inferior nasal conchae.

Olfactory Mucosa

A small patch of epithelium covering the roof of the nasal fossa containing sensory cells that detect odors.

Nasal Conchae

Also known as Turbinates, these three folds of tissue (superior, middle, and inferior) create turbulence to ensure air contacts the mucous membrane for warming, humidifying, and filtering.

Trachea

Commonly known as the windpipe, it is a tube anterior to the esophagus supported by $16$ to $20$ C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage.

Tracheostomy

A procedure involving a temporary opening in the trachea inferior to the larynx to insert a tube for airway obstruction or ventilation.

Right Lung

The lung that is shorter due to the liver's position and consists of three lobes: superior, middle, and inferior.

Left Lung

The lung that consists of two lobes (superior and inferior) and features a cardiac impression or notch to accommodate the heart.

Hilum

A concave region on the mediastinal surface where the primary bronchus, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves enter the lung.

Bronchial Tree

A highly branched system of air tubes extending from the primary bronchi to approximately $65,000$ terminal bronchioles.

Type I Alveolar Cells

Also known as squamous alveolar cells, these form the thin walls of the alveoli and enable rapid gas diffusion between air and blood.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs (approximately $600$ million in total) where the lungs and blood exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Visceral Pleura

The serous membrane that covers the surface of the lung.

Pulmonary Ventilation

Commonly known as breathing, it is the mechanical process of moving air into the lungs (inspiration) and out of the lungs (expiration).

Internal Respiration

The diffusion of gases between the blood of the systemic capillaries and the tissue cells.

Normal Respiration Rate

For an adult at rest, the typical rate is $12$ to $20$ breaths per minute.

Tidal Volume

The measure of the amount of air a person inhales or exhales during a single normal respiratory cycle.

Vital Lung Capacity

The change in lung volume after maximal inspiration followed by maximal expiration, typically ranging between $3$ to $5$ liters in adults.