Mod G Unit 2 Terminology

Alveoli

Clusters of air sacs in which the exchange of gases between air and blood takes place; located in the lungs

Bronchi

The two branches of the trachea that enter the lungs

Bronchioles

A part of the respiratory tract that branches from the tertiary bronchi

Dyspnea

Difficult or painful breathing

Epiglottis

The flap-like structure that closes off the larynx during swallowing

Expiration

The process of breathing out; also called exhalation

Glottis

The opening between the vocal cords

Inspiration

The act of breathing in; also called inhalation

Laryngopharynx

The portion of the pharynx behind the larynx

Larynx

The part of the respiratory tract between the pharynx and the trachea that is responsible for voice pro-duction; also called the voice box

Morbidity

The frequency of the appearance of complications following a surgical procedure or other treatment; a disease state

Mortality

A fatal outcome

Nares

The openings of the nose, or nostrils

Nasal conchae

Structures that extend from the lateral walls of the nasal cavity

Nasopharynx

The portion of the pharynx behind the nasal cavity

Oropharynx

The portion of the pharynx behind the oral cavity.

Paranasal sinuses

Air-filled spaces within skull bones that open into the nasal cavity.

Pharynx

Structure below the mouth and nasal cavities that is an organ of the respiratory system as well as the digestive system

Pleura

The membranes that surround the lungs.

Respiratory capacity

The amount of air the lungs can hold; calculated by adding certain respiratory volumes together

Respiratory volume

The different volumes of air that move into and out of the lungs during different breathing intensities. These volumes can be measured to assess the healthiness of the respiratory system

Surfactant

A fatty substance alveolar cells secrete

Thoracentesis

Medical procedure in which a sterile needle is introduced into the chest to remove fluid and pus.

Thorax

The chest cavity.

Trachea

The part of the respiratory tract between the larynx and the bronchial tree that is tubular and made of rings of cartilage and smooth muscle; also called the windpipe