Respiratory System Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from a respiratory system lecture.

Oxygen

Required by all cells in the body to stay alive. It is obtained by breathing in air, and the lungs convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, which is then dispersed throughout the body.

External Respiration

Breathing in; Inhale.

Internal Respiration

Breathing out; Exhale.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Consists of the nose, pharynx, larynx, and trachea.

Larynx

Contains the voice box and vocal cords, which produce sound when air passes over them.

Septum

The middle part of the nose that divides the nasal cavity.

Pharynx

The passage from the mouth and nose down to the lungs, where air and food pass.

Epiglottis

A flap that prevents food from entering the lower respiratory tract during swallowing.

Vocal Cords

Vibrate when air passes over them, producing sound. The size of the vocal cords determines the deepness or tone of voice.

Trachea

Also known as the windpipe, carries air to the lungs.

Bronchi and Bronchial Tree

The right bronchus is shorter and wider than the left, making the right side more susceptible to aspiration.

Lungs

The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two.

Alveoli

Microscopic sacs in the lungs where gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) takes place.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)

Tests that measure how well the patient is breathing and exchanging gases by measuring levels of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and pH.

Respiratory Assessment

Involves observing the patient's color, capillary refill, mucus membranes, chest symmetry, and breathing rate, as well as listening to lung sounds.

Chest X-Ray

Used to assess the size, shape, position, and clarity of the lungs, and to confirm conditions like pneumothorax or pneumonia.

Chest CT Scan

Provides a more in-depth look at the lungs by rotating in different angles to view sections inside the lungs.

Pulmonary Angiography

Assesses blood flow through the lungs to identify areas of decreased blood flow, such as in pulmonary embolism (PE).

Ventilation/Perfusion (VQ) Scan

Used to assess the patient's ventilation versus perfusion; Involves inhaling a gas and observing its movement through the lungs to detect areas of decreased perfusion, indicating a possible PE.

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

Measures how well the lungs are working, assessing the volume of air inhaled and exhaled; often used to track the progression of lung diseases.

Bronchoscopy

Involves inserting a scope into the lungs for visualization and examination; NPO is required before due to risks associated with anesthesia utilized during the procedure.

Sputum Sample

A sample of sputum collected to evaluate characteristics such as color, odor, and consistency, aiding in the assessment of respiratory conditions.

Lung Biopsy

Involves taking a tissue sample from the lungs for examination, typically to diagnose conditions like lung cancer or masses; Can be performed via the open method or bronchoscopy;

Thoracentesis

Involves removing fluid from the patient's lung using a needle and catheter; Used to relieve pressure and allow the lung to expand; Monitor vital signs and respiratory status and position the patient on the unaffected side for procedure.

ABG

Arterial Blood Gas samples are drawn from an artery, which is different than drawing blood through a vein; Strong pressure must be applied for 5 minutes to prevent hemmorhaging or bleeding due to arteries pulsating.

Pulse Oximetry

Involves continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation levels.