Human Anatomy: Respiratory System

45 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the respiratory system as discussed in the lecture.

Respiratory System

Organ system that facilitates gas exchange between air and blood.

Gas Exchange

The transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and blood.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

An inherited disease affecting mucus production, leading to respiratory issues.

Mucus

A viscous secretion that traps foreign particles and pathogens.

Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium (PSCC)

Type of epithelial tissue primarily lining the respiratory tract.

Alveoli

Small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Conducting Zone

Part of the respiratory system that transports air to the lungs.

Respiratory Zone

Region where gas exchange occurs in the alveoli.

Blood Oxygen Transport

Process of carrying oxygen from the lungs to peripheral tissues.

Blood Carbon Dioxide Transport

Process of carrying carbon dioxide from tissues back to the lungs.

Goblet Cells

Cells that produce mucus in the respiratory tract.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that help move mucus out of the respiratory system.

Lamina Propria

Connective tissue layer in the respiratory mucosa.

Pharynx

Muscular tube connecting the nasal cavity to the larynx and esophagus.

Bronchi

Main passageways branching from the trachea into the lungs.

Trachea

Windpipe; tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi.

Larynx

Voice box; an organ involved in sound production.

Diaphragm

Muscle that assists in breathing movements.

External Intercostal Muscles

Muscles between the ribs that assist with inhalation.

Internal Intercostal Muscles

Muscles that assist with exhalation.

Mediastinum

Area between the lungs containing the heart and great vessels.

Lung Lobes

Sections of the lungs; right lung has three lobes, left lung has two.

Pulmonary Arteries

Vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

Pulmonary Veins

Vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

Respiratory Membrane

Barrier for gas exchange, consisting of alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium.

Alveolar Macrophages

Immune cells that protect alveoli from pathogens.

Surfactant

Substance produced by alveolar type II cells that reduces surface tension.

Type I Alveolar Cells

Cells that make up the majority of the alveolar surface.

Type II Alveolar Cells

Cells that produce surfactant in the alveoli.

Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms

Chest congestion, activity intolerance, excessive coughing.

Respiratory System Functions

Gas exchange, air transport, protection, sound production, regulation of blood.

Nasal Cavity

Primary airway that moistens, warms, and filters inhaled air.

Olfactory Receptors

Chemoreceptors for the sense of smell located in the nasal cavity.

Superior Nasal Concha

Lateral wall structure that increases air turbulence in the nasal cavity.

Inferior Nasal Concha

Structures that help filter and humidify the air entering the nasal cavity.

Epiglottis

Flap that covers the larynx during swallowing to prevent food aspiration.

Laryngopharynx

Part of the pharynx that serves both respiratory and digestive systems.

Oropharynx

Part of the pharynx located between the soft palate and hyoid bone.

Respiratory Bronchioles

Small tubes in the lungs where gas exchange begins.

Pleura

Membranes surrounding the lungs; includes visceral and parietal layers.

Lung Fissures

Separations between the lobes of the lungs.

Apneustic Center

Brain region that helps sustain deep, strong breathing.

Pneumotaxic Center

Brain region that regulates the rate and pattern of breathing.

Chemoreceptors

Sensors that detect changes in blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

Mechanoreceptors

Sensors that detect stretch in lung tissues.

Respiratory Rate

The number of breaths taken per minute.

Respiratory Physiotherapy

Treatment involving exercises to clear mucus in CF patients.

Median Age of Survival for CF

Approximately 37 years.

Respiratory Tracing

Path of air through various types of epithelial tissue in the respiratory tract.