Respiratory System Introduction and Anatomy

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the anatomical structures, divisions, and physiological processes of the human respiratory system as discussed in the lecture notes.

Respiratory System

The body system responsible for exchanging gases, specifically taking in oxygen for body use and squeezing out carbon dioxide.

Gas Exchange

The process where oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is removed as waste; it occurs specifically in the lung tissue.

Ventilation

The simple movement of air into and out of the lungs, distinct from the chemical process of gas exchange.

Upper Respiratory Tract

The part of the airway consisting of the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx.

Lower Respiratory Tract

The part of the respiratory system located below the larynx, including the trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Nasal Septum

A wall that divides the nasal cavity into the right and left sides.

Respiratory Mucosa

The lining of the nasal cavity and airway that warms, filters, and moisturizes inhaled air.

Pharynx

The medical term for the throat, which is divided into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Larynx

The voice box, which contains vocal cords and serves as the dividing point between the upper and lower respiratory tracts.

Trachea

Also known as the windpipe; it is a tube held open by C-shaped cartilage rings that leads air toward the lungs.

Bifurcation (Carina)

The point where the trachea splits into the right and left primary bronchi.

Cilia

Hair-like projections on the surface of respiratory cells that beat in one direction to expel mucus and trapped particles.

Epiglottis

A flap of tissue that closes off the trachea during swallowing to ensure food enters the esophagus instead.

Right Lung

The lung that is divided into three lobes (superior, middle, and inferior) by small fissures.

Left Lung

The lung that has only two lobes (superior and inferior) to accommodate the space taken up by the heart.

Pleura

The double-layered membrane (parietal and visceral) that surrounds the lungs, separated by the pleural cavity.

Alveoli

The tiny balloon-like sacs at the end of the respiratory bronchioles where gas exchange actually occurs.

Conducting Segment

The portion of the respiratory tract from the nose to the terminal bronchioles intended only for the passage of air.

Respiratory Segment

The portion of the respiratory tract starting from the respiratory bronchioles to the alveoli where gas exchange takes place.

External Respiration

The process where oxygen moves from the air in the alveoli into the blood, and carbon dioxide moves from the blood to the alveoli.

Gas Transport

The movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the bloodstream.

Internal Respiration

The gas exchange occurring between the blood in the capillaries and the actual tissue cells of the body.

Diaphragm

The primary respiratory muscle that moves down when it contracts to increase thoracic volume during inhalation.

Active Process

A physiological process that requires muscle contraction and energy, such as inhalation or forced exhalation.

Passive Process

A process that occurs through muscle relaxation rather than contraction, such as quiet exhalation.

Tidal Volume

The volume of air moved during normal, quiet breathing, approximately $500\,ml$.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume

The additional volume of air that can be inhaled with effort after a normal tidal inhalation.

Medulla

The part of the brain responsible for the control and regulation of respiration.