Respiratory System: Anatomy and Physiology

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, structures, disorders, and physiological mechanisms of the respiratory system as detailed in the lecture.

Upper Respiratory Tract

The division of the respiratory system located outside the thorax, consisting of the nose, nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx, and larynx.

Lower Respiratory Tract

The division of the respiratory system located within the thorax, consisting of the trachea, segments of the bronchial tree, and the lungs.

Cellular Respiration

The process that converts oxygen into energy and produces $CO_2$ as a waste product.

Alveoli

Grapelike structures where the interchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.

Palatine Bones

Bones that form the floor of the nose and the roof of the mouth, separating the nasal and mouth cavities.

Cleft Palate

A condition resulting from the failure of the palatine bones to unite completely, causing difficulty in swallowing and speaking.

Cribriform Plate

A structure that separates the roof of the nose from the cranial cavity.

Nasal Septum

A structure with a rich blood supply that separates the nasal cavity into right and left cavities.

Pharynx

A tubelike structure extending from the base of the skull to the esophagus that serves as a pathway for both the respiratory and digestive tracts.

Adenoids

The term used for pharyngeal tonsils when they become enlarged.

Larynx

Commonly known as the voice box, it is positioned between the root of the tongue and the upper end of the trachea.

Epiglottis

A small, leaf-shaped cartilage that projects upward behind the tongue and hyoid bone.

Trachea

Commonly known as the windpipe, it extends from the larynx to the primary bronchi.

Respiratory Membrane

The barrier across which gases are exchanged, consisting of the alveolar epithelium, capillary endothelium, and joined basement membranes.

Surfactant

A component of the fluid coating the respiratory membrane that reduces surface tension.

Hilum

A slit on the medial surface of the lung where the primary bronchi and pulmonary blood vessels enter.

Visceral Pleura

The serous membrane that covers the surfaces of the lungs.

Mediastinum

The space between the lungs occupied mainly by the esophagus, trachea, large blood vessels, and heart.

Rhinitis

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa.

Epistaxis

The medical term for a nosebleed.

Sleep Apnea

A disorder characterized by a transition from loud snoring to variable periods of complete cessation of breathing during sleep.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A chronic bacillus infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

External Respiration

The combined processes of pulmonary ventilation and pulmonary gas exchange.

Internal Respiration

The process involving gas exchange in the systemic blood capillaries and cellular respiration.

Standard Atmospheric Pressure

A pressure measurement of $760\,mm\,Hg$.

Boyle’s Law

The principle stating that the volume of gas varies inversely with pressure at a constant temperature.

Anatomical Dead Space

Passageways occupied by air that do not participate in gas exchange.

Physiological Dead Space

The sum of anatomical dead space plus any alveoli not able to perform gas exchange.

Alveolar Perfusion

The flow of blood to the alveoli.

Choking Reflex

A protective device triggered by touch or chemicals in the pharynx or larynx to prevent aspiration of food or liquids.

COPD

A broad term for conditions involving progressive, irreversible obstruction of expiratory airflow.

Emphysema

A condition where alveolar walls lose elasticity and the air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles are enlarged due to tissue damage.

Asthma

An obstructive lung disorder characterized by recurring inflammation of mucous membranes and spasms of smooth muscles in the bronchial air passages.