Reparatory Physiology Flashcards
(18 cards)
The smallest of the conducting passageways in the lungs; they branch off from the bronchi and lead into the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.
Bronchioles
Tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles in the lungs where gas exchange occurs between the air and the blood.
Alveoli
A flap of elastic cartilage that forms a lid over the larynx during swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the trachea.
Epiglottis
A muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach; it moves food to the stomach using rhythmic contractions called peristalsis.
Esophagus
The structure that forms the roof of the mouth; it consists of the anterior hard palate and the posterior soft palate.
Palate
A double-layered serous membrane that surrounds each lung.
Pleura
The major motor nerve that stimulates the diaphragm, playing a crucial role in breathing by controlling diaphragm contractions.
Phrenic Nerve
The two large branches of the trachea that enter the lungs and divide into smaller branches called bronchioles; they serve as major air passages to the lungs.
Bronchi
A tube that extends from the larynx to the bronchi; commonly known as the windpipe, it is reinforced with C-shaped cartilage rings to keep the airway open and allows air to pass into the lungs.
Trachea
A pair of elastic tissue folds located in the larynx that vibrate as air passes through them, producing sound.
Vocal Cords
The smallest and most numerous blood vessels in the body, where the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products occurs between the blood and tissues.
Capillaries
A large, dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities; it plays a key role in breathing by contracting to allow air to enter the lungs and relaxing to expel air.
Diaphragm
Air-filled cavities located within the bones of the skull, lined with mucous membranes. They are connected to the nasal passages and help lighten the skull, improve the voice, and produce mucus to moisturize the nasal passages.
Sinuses
A cartilaginous structure located at the top of the trachea that houses the vocal cords; it plays a critical role in producing sound and protecting the airway during swallowing.
Larynx
A muscular tube that serves as a passageway for both air and food. It connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus, and is divided into three regions: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
Pharynx
Lymphoid tissue located in the throat that plays a role in the immune system. They help protect the body from pathogens entering through the mouth and nose by trapping and destroying bacteria and viruses.
Tonsils
A substance produced by the cells of the alveoli in the lungs that reduces surface tension, preventing the alveoli from collapsing and making it easier for the lungs to expand during inhalation.
Surfactant
A type of cartilage that is translucent, smooth, and glassy in appearance. It is the most common type of cartilage in the body, found in areas such as the nose, trachea, larynx, and at the ends of long bones, where it reduces friction and provides support.
Hyaline
