Resp Terms 6-12

Term

Definition

Trachea

Also called the windpipe; main passageway for air to reach the lungs

Cilia

Tiny hair-like structures in the trachea that move mucus opposite to airflow

Heimlich Maneuver

Emergency technique used to clear a blocked airway

Bronchi

Right and left airways that branch off from the trachea into the lungs

Bronchioles

Smaller branches of the bronchi that lead to alveoli

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs

Alveolar Ducts

Small passages that connect bronchioles to alveolar sacs

Alveolar Sacs

Clusters of alveoli that resemble a bunch of grapes

Gas Exchange

The process of oxygen entering the blood and carbon dioxide exiting

Squamous Epithelium

Thin, flat cells making up the wall of alveoli to allow gas diffusion

Pulmonary Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels surrounding alveoli where gas exchange occurs

Lungs

Large organs of the respiratory system involved in breathing

Apex of Lung

The pointed, top portion of each lung

Base of Lung

The bottom portion of the lung that sits on the diaphragm

Visceral Pleura

Membrane covering the lung surface

Parietal Pleura

Membrane lining the thoracic cavity

Pleural Cavity

Space between the pleura containing pleural fluid to reduce friction

Pleural Fluid

Lubricating fluid that helps lungs glide smoothly during breathing

Mediastinum

Central space in the chest that houses the heart, trachea, and other organs

Elastic Tissue

Found in the lungs, helps with lung expansion and recoil