Respiratory System Flashcards

Flashcards about upper respiratory disorders

Upper respiratory tract

Includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, and trachea.

Trachea

A cylindrical tube that has U-shaped cartilages to keep it open. This also allows the esophagus to expand for swallowing.

Intrapleural Space

The space between the pleural layers that contains fluid for lubrication and to increase unity between the pleural layers.

Diaphragm

The major muscle of respiration controlled by phrenic nerves within the spinal cord between C3 and C5.

Ventilation

Involves inspiration/inhalation or expiration/exhalation, where air moves in and out of the lungs with pressure changes.

Oxygenation

Refers to the process of obtaining O2 from the atmospheric air and making it available to the organs and tissues of the body.

Resistance of the airway

Any obstacle to airflow during inspiration and/or expiration. Examples of this includes airway constriction/narrowing in asthma patients and the presence of secretions.

Mucociliary Clearance system or escalator

Below the larynx, responsible for movement of mucus.

Filtration of air

Filters inspired air through nasal hairs; abrupt changes in airflow increase turbulence, causing particles and bacteria to contact the mucosa lining.

Reflex Bronchoconstriction

Bronchi constrict to prevent entry of irritants in response to the inhalation of large amounts of irritating substances.

Alveolar Macrophages

Primary defense mechanism at the alveolar level in the absence of ciliated cells.

Cough Reflex

A protective reflex that clears the airway by high-pressure, high-velocity flow of air; a backup for mucociliary clearance.

Deviated Septum

A deflection of the normally straight nasal septum.

Rhinoplasty

Surgical reconstruction of the nose, is done to improve airway function when trauma or developmental deformities result in nasal obstruction or for cosmetic reasons.

Epistaxis

Nosebleeds that can be caused by trauma, hypertension, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infection, allergies, sinusitis, foreign bodies, chemical irritants, overuse of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, and tumors.

Influenza

Highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses A or B, transmitted through infected droplets, inhalation of aerosolized particles, and direct contact.

Sinusitis

Occurs when inflammation or swelling of the mucosa blocks the openings of the sinuses.

Acute Pharyngitis

Acute inflammation of the pharyngeal walls, potentially caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.

Peritonsillar Abscess

A complication of tonsilitis, most often caused by group-B strep, leading to pain, swelling, and potential airway blockage.

Tracheostomy

A surgically created stoma in the anterior part of the trachea, done to establish a patent airway, bypass obstruction, facilitate secretion removal, or permit long-term ventilation.

Head and Neck Cancer

Cancers that may involve the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, oral cavity, and/or salivary glands; tobacco use is a major risk factor.

Acute Bronchitis

Self-limiting inflammation of the bronchi, usually caused by viruses but potentially triggered by irritants.

Pertussis

Highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract manifested in stages, with a hallmark uncontrollable, violent cough and whooping sound.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, spread by airborne droplets, disproportionately affecting underserved populations.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and cardiovascular complications.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Preventable and treatable but often progressive disease characterized by airflow limitation and chronic inflammation, primarily caused by smoking.

COPD Exacerbation

An acute event in COPD characterized by worsening respiratory symptoms, commonly caused by infections.