Respiratory System and Pulmonary Health

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards detailing respiratory anatomy, physiology, clinical assessment terminology, and major pulmonary disorders.

Respiratory System

The system responsible for taking in oxygen, releasing carbon dioxide, filtering, warming, and humidifying air, and helping maintain blood’s electrolyte balance (Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium).

Nose

The entrance to the respiratory system, containing two nostrils (nares) separated by a septum and lined with mucous membranes to trap dirt and pathogens.

Cilia

Small hairlike structures in the nose that move unidirectionally toward the esophagus.

Nasolacrimal ducts

Ducts that drain tears from the eyes to the nose to provide additional moisture for the air.

Sinus cavities

Hollowed spaces in skull bones around the nasal area that provide space for air to vibrate, causing voice resonance.

Pharynx

The throat; an area about $5$ inches long from the base of the skull to the esophagus through which air and food pass.

Nasopharynx

The upper section of the pharynx that contains the tonsils, adenoids, and eustachian tube.

Oropharynx

The middle section of the pharynx located behind the mouth that receives food and air from the mouth and nose.

Laryngopharynx

The bottom section of the pharynx that branches into the trachea (for air) and the esophagus (for food).

Epiglottis

A special piece of cartilage that closes the opening into the larynx during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the respiratory tract.

Larynx

The voice box; located between the pharynx and trachea, it contains vocal cords that vibrate to make sounds.

Trachea

The windpipe; a 4 rac{1}{2} inch long tube with C-shaped cartilages that carries air between the pharynx and the bronchi.

Alveoli

Air sacs resembling a bunch of grapes where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood capillaries and air sacs occurs.

Surfactant

A lipid substance that keeps the alveoli (air sacs) from collapsing.

Pleura

A two-layered sac surrounding the lungs consisting of the visceral pleura (covering the organ) and the parietal pleura (lining the chest wall).

Right Lung Lobes

The right lung has $3$ lobes: the Right Upper Lobe (RUL), Right Middle Lobe (RML), and Right Lower Lobe (RLL).

Left Lung Lobes

The left lung has $2$ lobes: the Left Upper Lobe (LUL) and the Left Lower Lobe (LLL).

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped primary muscle of breathing that has three openings (hiatuses) for the esophagus, aorta, and inferior vena cava.

Inspiration

The phase of breathing where intercostal muscles and the diaphragm contract, enlarging the thoracic cavity so air rushes into the lungs.

Expiration

The phase of breathing where intercostal muscles and the diaphragm relax, returning the thoracic cavity to normal size and pushing air out.

Medulla Oblongata

The part of the brain that controls involuntary breathing, which is dependent on the levels of carbon dioxide.

External Respiration

The exchange of gases between the lungs and the bloodstream.

Internal Respiration

The exchange of gases between the bloodstream and the body cells.

Cellular Respiration

The process where cells use oxygen and nutrients to produce energy ($ATP$), water, and carbon dioxide.

Normal Respiratory Rate

For an adult, the normal rate is $12-20$ breaths per minute.

Cheyne-Stoke

A period of difficult breathing followed by apnea.

Tactile fremitus

A palpation technique to feel sounds on the chest wall as the patient says "99" repeatedly.

Auscultation

The process of listening to breath sounds using a stethoscope.

Wheezing

A whistling breath sound caused by air being forced through small airways.

Rales

High-pitched crackling or rattling breath sounds caused by airways narrowed by pus or mucus.

Rhonchi

Low-pitched snoring or gurgling sounds caused by fluid or secretions in the airway, often associated with COPD.

Eupnea

Normal breathing.

Dyspnea

Painful or difficult breathing.

Apnea

No breathing or the absence of breathing.

Anoxia

The lack or absence of oxygen.

Cyanosis

A bluish-gray discoloration of the skin due to a lack of oxygen.

Orthopnea

The inability to breathe while lying down.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the sinuses, often caused by bacteria or viruses.

Influenza

Also called the flu; a viral infection of the Upper Respiratory Tract (URT) featuring chills, fever, and muscle pain.

Asthma

A respiratory disorder caused by sensitivity to allergens, resulting in bronchospasms that narrow the bronchioles.

Emphysema

A chronic condition where the walls of the alveoli deteriorate and lose elasticity, causing $CO_2$ to remain trapped.

Cystic Fibrosis

A chronic, progressive genetic disease that causes thick and sticky mucus, sweat, and digestive juices to damage organs.

Epistaxis

A nosebleed; occurs when capillaries in the nose become congested and bleed.

Pleurisy

Inflammation of the pleura membranes of the lungs, often causing sharp stabbing pain and crepitation.

Thoracentesis

A surgical procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space with a needle.

Pneumonia

Inflammation or infection of the lungs characterized by exudate (fluid buildup) in the alveoli.

Tuberculosis

An infectious lung disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Pneumothorax

The presence of air in the pleural space, typically treated with a chest tube to allow the lung to re-expand.

Hemothorax

The presence of blood in the pleural space.

Sleep Apnea

A condition where breathing stops during sleep; identified as more than 5 periods of apnea lasting $10$ seconds each in one hour.

CPAP

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; a device used to treat sleep apnea.

Nasal Canula

An oxygen source that provides $24-44\%$ oxygen.