Respiratory System Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the respiratory system, focusing on definitions and functions relevant for understanding the material.

Bronchioles

Small branches of the bronchi that lead to the alveoli and are involved in gas exchange.

Pharynx

A muscular part of the throat that carries air into the respiratory tract and food into the digestive tract.

Larynx

Also known as the 'voice box', it is responsible for phonation and is located between the pharynx and the trachea.

Epiglottis

A flap of cartilage that covers the larynx during swallowing, preventing food from entering the respiratory tract.

Glottis

The opening between the vocal cords that controls airflow and sound production.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, allowing oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to be expelled.

Surfactant

A phospholipid that lines the alveoli, reducing surface tension and preventing collapse.

External Respiration

The process of gas exchange that occurs in the alveoli between oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Ventilation

The physical process of moving air in and out of the lungs through the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm.

Cilia

Hair-like projections in the respiratory tract that help sweep mucous and particles out of the lungs.

Goblet Cells

Cells in the respiratory tract that produce mucus to trap particles and humidify the air.

Diaphragm

A muscular structure that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and is critical in the process of breathing.