Respiratory System Vocabulary and Medical Terminology

Vocabulary and key terminology flashcards covering medical conditions, diagnostic tests, procedures, and word elements of the respiratory system.

pyothorax

Presence of pus in the chest.

thoracentesis

Surgical puncture of the chest to remove fluid.

asthma

A respiratory condition marked by recurrent attacks of difficult or labored breathing.

croup

An acute respiratory syndrome of childhood characterized by laryngeal obstruction and spasm, barking cough, and stridor.

tracheostomy

A surgical procedure that creates an opening through the neck into the trachea.

corticosteroids

Medications that decrease swelling, inflammation, and mucus production to promote easier breathing.

apnea

A temporary cessation of breathing.

aerophagia

Refers to swallowing air.

aspirate

Refers to using suction to remove fluids from a body cavity.

mucolytics

Medications that liquefy mucus to allow elimination through coughing more easily.

atelectasis

An abnormal condition characterized by collapse of alveoli.

anosmia

The loss or impairment of the sense of smell.

pharyngoplegia

Paralysis of pharyngeal muscles.

pleurisy

Inflammation of the pleura.

pneumocystis

A type of pneumonia seen in patients with AIDS and in debilitated children.

catheter

A hollow, flexible tube that can be inserted into a vessel or cavity of the body to withdraw or instill fluids.

rhinoplasty

Refers to the surgical repair or plastic surgery of the nose.

TB

Tuberculosis; an infectious disease that produces small lesions or tubercles in the lungs.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; a group of respiratory disorders characterized by chronic bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema.

pneumothorax

The presence of air in the pleural cavity.

laryngoscope

An instrument used to view the vocal cords during a diagnostic examination.

influenza

An acute respiratory viral infection characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and generalized muscle pain.

bronchorrhagia

Bronchial hemorrhage.

pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs caused by a bacterium, virus, or chemical irritant.

bronchodilator

A medication delivered via inhaler that dilates constricted airways.

tracheotomy

An incision into the trachea to open up the airway and restore breathing and oxygenation to the lungs.

PFT

Pulmonary Function Test; tests performed to determine the capacity of the lungs to exchange $O_2$ and $CO_2$ efficiently.

rales

Fine crackling and bubbling sounds heard during inspiration, caused by fluid in the lungs.

acidosis

A condition caused by excessive levels of $CO_2$ in the body leading to high levels of acidity in the bloodstream.

partial pressure of carbon dioxide

A key blood gas parameter evaluated in pulmonary function reports for patients retaining carbon dioxide.

nasal mucosa

The mucous membrane lining the nasal cavity, evaluated during pulmonology referrals for seasonal symptoms.

atel/o

Combining form meaning incomplete, imperfect.

orth/o

Combining form meaning straight.

spir/o

Combining form meaning to breathe.

-centesis

Suffix meaning surgical puncture.

-ectasis

Suffix meaning dilation, expansion.

-rrhagia

Suffix meaning bursting forth (of).

-stenosis

Suffix meaning narrowing, stricture.