External Nose and Respiratory Anatomy

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering vocabulary and key concepts from the lecture on external nasal anatomy, the respiratory system, and related histology.

External Nose

A pyramidal structure with a root and apex, housing the nares and separated by the nasal septum.

Nares

The openings to the nasal cavity, which are lateral to the nasal septum.

Dorsum

The part of the nose between the root and apex.

Ala Nasi

The wings of the nostrils that laterally bound the nares.

Nasal Septum

Separates the two nares.

Cartilaginous Nasal Anatomy

Composed of several cartilages including major and minor alar, lateral nasal, and septal cartilages.

Major Alar Cartilage

Forms the apex of the nose.

Minor Alar Cartilage

Supports the ala nasi.

Septal Cartilage

Bounds the nares medially.

Nasal Cavity

Consists of two cavities lined with mucous membrane and surrounded by cranial bones.

Choanae

The posterior openings of the nasal cavity that communicate with the nasopharynx.

Ethmoid Bone

Forms the roof of the nasal cavity.

Nasal Conchae

Three bony shelves attached to the lateral walls of the nasal cavities.

Inferior Nasal Meatus

Located between the floor and inferior concha.

Middle Nasal Meatus

Located between the inferior and middle concha.

Superior Nasal Meatus

Located between the middle and superior concha.

Sphenoethmoidal Recess

Located between the superior concha and roof of the nasal cavity.

Common Nasal Meatus

Located between the conchae and nasal septum.

Vestibule

The anterior part of the nasal cavity containing hair follicles.

Olfactory Region

Small area located at the superior apex of the cavity lined by olfactory epithelium.

Respiratory Region

Largest part of the nasal cavity lined with respiratory epithelium.

Paranasal Sinuses

Four bony recesses that communicate with nasal cavities, including the sphenoidal, maxillary, frontal, and ethmoidal cells.

Sphenopalatine Artery

A branch of the external carotid artery supplying the nasal cavity.

Olfactory Nerve (CN I)

Nerve responsible for olfactory function.

Trigeminal Nerve (CN V)

Nerve responsible for general sensation in the nasal cavity.

Pharynx

Muscular structure located posterior to the oral and nasal cavities; serves as a passage for air and food.

Nasopharynx

The uppermost portion of the pharynx communicating with the nasal cavity.

Torus Tubarius

Folds of tissue associated with the auditory tube.

Soft Palate

Located posterior to the hard palate; includes the palatine uvula.

Pharyngeal Tonsil

Lymphatic tissue located in the nasopharynx, also known as adenoids.

Oropharynx

The part of the pharynx located between the nasopharynx and laryngopharynx.

Vallecula Epiglottica

Fossa located between the glossoepiglottic folds and the epiglottis.

Palatopharyngeal Arches

Two folds of mucous membrane overlying the palatopharyngeal muscle.

Laryngopharynx

The portion of the pharynx located behind the larynx.

Epiglottis

Elastic cartilage that closes during swallowing to prevent food from entering the larynx.

Airflow

The movement of air into and out of the lungs, governed by pressure differences.

Tidal Volume

Volume of air that fills the alveoli with each breath.

Functional Residual Capacity

The total volume of air remaining in the lungs after expiration.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume

Volume of air that can be inhaled above tidal volume.

Residual Volume

Air remaining in the lungs after maximum exhalation.

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate

The maximum speed of expiration.

Vital Capacity

The total volume of air that can be exhaled after inhaling as deeply as possible.

Gas Exchange

Passive movement of gases across membranes facilitating internal and external respiration.

Mucociliary Clearance

Mechanism that removes inhaled particles using ciliated epithelial cells and mucus.

Olfactory Mucosa

Specialized epithelium located in the nasal cavities heightened for smell.

Respiratory Epithelium

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium that lines most of the upper respiratory tract.

Goblet Cells

Columnar epithelial cells that secrete mucus to protect and moisten the airway.

Basal Cells

Stem cells that give rise to ciliated and goblet cells in the respiratory epithelium.

Ciliated Columnar Cells

Most abundant cells in the respiratory epithelium that help sweep away particles.

Alveolar Pressure

Pressure of the air within the alveoli; determines airflow direction.

Atmospheric Pressure

Pressure exerted by the weight of air in the environment.

Intrapleural Pressure

Pressure of the fluid inside the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs.

Bronchodilation

Widening of air passages to decrease airway resistance.

Bronchoconstriction

Narrowing of air passages increasing airway resistance.

Pneumotaxic Center

Part of the pons that regulates respiratory rate by limiting duration of inspiration.

Apneustic Center

Stimulates prolonged inspiration when more oxygen is required.

Chemoreceptors

Sensors that monitor blood concentrations of O2 and CO2.

Laryngeal Prominence

Also known as Adam's apple; formed by the thyroid cartilage.

Trachea

Windpipe extending from larynx to lungs; conduits air in and out.

Pulmonary Capillaries

Small blood vessels servicing the alveoli for gas exchange.

Capillary Gas Exchange

Process where oxygen diffuses into tissues from blood and carbon dioxide enters the blood from tissues.

Elastic Cartilage

Type of cartilage that provides strength and elasticity to structures like the epiglottis.

Phrenic Nerve

Innervates the diaphragm, crucial for inspiration.

Thyroid Cartilage

Largest cartilage of the larynx composed of two laminae.

Cricoid Cartilage

Complete ring of cartilage located beneath the thyroid cartilage.

Arytenoid Cartilages

Pyramidal-shaped cartilages attached atop the cricoid cartilage.

Cuneiform Cartilages

Minor cartilages that provide support in the laryngeal area.

Respiratory Center

Groups of neurons in the brainstem controlling respiratory rhythm.

Ventilation

Process of air movement into and out of the lungs.

Inspiratory Capacity

Total air volume possible to inhale after normal tidal expiration.

Partial Pressure Gradient

Difference in partial pressure that drives gas diffusion across membranes.