Respiratory System Flashcards
Discusses respiratory anatomy, common conditions like asthma and COPD, and medical procedures such as bronchoscopy and pulmonary function tests. (99 cards)
Define:
Nose
The external part of the respiratory system that serves as the primary entrance for air and contains structures for olfaction (smell).
The doctor examined the patient’s nose for any signs of infection.
Define:
Nasal Cavity
The large air-filled space behind the nose that is involved in the filtering, warming, and humidifying of inhaled air.
Air passes through the nasal cavity before entering the lungs.
Define:
Nasal Septum
The cartilage and bone structure that divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils.
A deviated nasal septum can lead to breathing difficulties.
Define:
Nares (Nostrils)
The external openings of the nasal cavity through which air enters and exits.
The patient had a blockage in one of her nares.
Define:
Sinuses (Paranasal Sinuses)
Air-filled spaces located within the bones of the skull that help lighten the skull, resonate the voice, and produce mucus.
Sinusitis can occur when the sinuses become inflamed.
Define:
Pharynx (Throat)
The muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx and esophagus, playing a role in both respiration and digestion.
The doctor examined the pharynx for signs of infection or swelling.
Define:
Nasopharynx
The upper part of the pharynx located behind the nasal cavity, which serves as a passageway for air.
Allergic reactions can cause swelling in the nasopharynx.
Define:
Oropharynx
The middle part of the pharynx located behind the mouth, involved in both breathing and swallowing.
The doctor assessed the oropharynx for any obstructions.
Define:
Laryngopharynx
The lower part of the pharynx that connects to the larynx and esophagus, facilitating the passage of air and food.
Swallowing involves the movement of food through the laryngopharynx.
Define:
Larynx (Voice Box)
The organ located in the throat that contains the vocal cords and is responsible for sound production and protecting the trachea against food aspiration.
The singer’s larynx was examined for any signs of strain.
Define:
Epiglottis
A flap of cartilage located at the root of the tongue that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.
The epiglottis closes off the windpipe when swallowing.
Define:
Vocal Cords (Vocal Folds)
Two bands of muscle tissue located in the larynx that vibrate to produce sound when air passes through them.
The vocal cords can become inflamed due to excessive shouting.
Define:
Glottis
The opening between the vocal cords in the larynx that is responsible for sound production.
The doctor examined the glottis during the laryngoscopy.
Define:
Trachea (Windpipe)
The tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi, allowing air to pass in and out of the lungs.
The trachea can become obstructed due to swelling.
Define:
Bronchi (Primary Bronchi)
The two main branches of the trachea that lead directly into the lungs.
Air travels from the trachea into the bronchi before reaching the lungs.
Define:
Secondary (Lobar) Bronchi
The branches of the primary bronchi that enter each lobe of the lungs.
The right lung has three secondary bronchi, while the left has two.
Define:
Tertiary (Segmental) Bronchi
The branches of the secondary bronchi that further subdivide within the lungs to supply specific lung segments.
Each tertiary bronchi supplies a distinct segment of the lung.
Define:
Bronchioles
The smaller branches of the bronchi that lead to the alveoli, involved in the distribution of air within the lungs.
Asthma can cause constriction of the bronchioles.
Define:
Terminal Bronchioles
The smallest branches of the bronchioles that lead directly to the respiratory bronchioles.
The terminal bronchioles are the last part of the conducting zone.
Define:
Respiratory Bronchioles
The bronchioles that contain alveoli and are involved in gas exchange.
Oxygen enters the bloodstream in the respiratory bronchioles.
Define:
Alveoli
Tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs.
The alveoli are essential for efficient gas exchange.
Define:
Alveolar Sacs
Clusters of alveoli that resemble bunches of grapes, where gas exchange occurs.
The alveolar sacs increase the surface area for gas exchange.
Define:
Alveolar Ducts
The passageways leading from the respiratory bronchioles to the alveolar sacs.
Air travels through the alveolar ducts before reaching the alveolar sacs.
Define:
Lungs
The pair of organs in the thoracic cavity responsible for gas exchange, allowing oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to be expelled.
The patient had reduced function in one of her lungs.