Respiratory System Vocab Flashcards

Question

What is the pleural cavity?

Answer 1

Space between the layers of the pleura.

Answer 2

Essential parts of the lung, responsible for respiration; bronchioles and alveoli.

Answer 3

Exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) at the lung capillaries (external respiration or breathing) and within individual cells (internal respiration).

Answer 4

Inner layer of pleura lying closer to the lung tissue.

Answer 5

Listening to sounds within the body, chiefly for air passage in the lungs and heart sounds. It helps diagnose conditions of the lungs, pleura, heart, abdomen, and fetal condition during pregnancy.

Answer 6

Tapping on a surface to determine the difference in the density of the underlying structure.

Answer 7

Scratchy sound produced by pleural surfaces rubbing against each other, often due to inflammation, infection, scarring, or neoplastic cells.

Answer 8

Fine crackling sounds heard on auscultation during inhalation when there is fluid in the alveoli. ## Footnote These sounds can be heard in patients with pneumonia, bronchiectasis, or acute bronchitis.

Answer 9

Loud rumbling sounds heard on auscultation of bronchi obstructed by sputum, resembling snoring.

Answer 10

Material expelled from the bronchi, lungs, or upper respiratory tract by spitting. ## Footnote Purulent sputum may be green or brown and can indicate infection.

Answer 11

Strained, high-pitched sound heard on inspiration caused by obstruction in the pharynx or larynx.

Answer 12

Continuous high-pitched whistling sounds produced during breathing, often heard when air is forced through narrowed or obstructed airways.

Answer 13

Acute viral infection of infants and children with obstruction of the larynx, accompanied by barking cough and stridor. The most common causative agents are influenza viruses or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Answer 14

Acute infection of the throat and upper respiratory tract caused by the diphtheria bacterium (Corynebacterium). Inflammation occurs, and a leathery, opaque membrane forms in the pharynx and trachea. ## Footnote Immunity to diphtheria is induced by the administration of weakened toxins (antigens) beginning between the sixth and eighth weeks of life, usually given as DPT injections.

Answer 15

Nosebleed. It commonly results from irritation of nasal mucous membranes, trauma, vitamin K deficiency, clotting abnormalities, blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin and warfarin), or hypertension.

Answer 16

Whooping cough; highly contagious bacterial infection of the pharynx, larynx, and trachea caused by Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis is characterized by paroxysmal spasms of coughing that end in a loud 'whooping' inspiration.

Answer 17

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder with airway obstruction due to bronchitis and bronchiolar edema and constriction. ## Footnote Associated signs and symptoms include dyspnea, wheezing, increased mucous production, and cough.

Answer 18

Triggers for asthmatic attacks include exercise, strong odors, cold air, stress, allergens (e.g., tobacco smoke, pet dander, dust, molds, pollens, foods), and medications (aspirin, beta blockers).

Answer 19

Asthma treatments include fast-acting agents for acute symptoms (e.g., albuterol inhaler) and long-acting agents for long-term control (e.g., glucocorticoids, oral steroids, leukotriene blockers like montelukast). ## Footnote Fast-acting agents are bronchodilators, while long-acting agents are anti-inflammatory.

Answer 20

Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis can exacerbate asthma.

Answer 21

Bronchiectasis is a chronic dilation of a bronchus, usually secondary to infection, caused by chronic infection with loss of elasticity of the bronchi. ## Footnote Secretions puddle and do not drain normally.

Answer 22

Signs and symptoms of bronchiectasis include cough, fever, and expectoration of foul-smelling, purulent sputum.

Answer 23

Treatment for bronchiectasis is palliative and includes antibiotics, mucolytics, bronchodilators, respiratory therapy, and surgical resection if other therapies are not effective.

Answer 24

Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of bronchi persisting over a long time; it is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ## Footnote Etiologic factors include infection and cigarette smoking. Signs and symptoms include excessive secretion of often infected mucus, a productive cough, and obstruction of respiratory passages.

Answer 25

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Answer 26

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder of exocrine glands resulting in thick mucinous secretions in the respiratory tract that do not drain normally. ## Footnote This genetic disorder is caused by a mutation in a gene.

Answer 27

Cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed by newborn screening blood test, sweat test, and genetic testing.

Answer 28

CF affects the epithelium of the respiratory tract, leading to chronic airway obstruction, infection, bronchiectasis, and sometimes respiratory failure. It also involves exocrine glands, such as the pancreas and sweat glands. ## Footnote Insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes from the pancreas leads to poor growth, and salty-tasting skin is a symptom related to sweat glands.

Answer 29

There is no known cure for cystic fibrosis, but therapy includes antibiotics, aerosolized medications, chest physiotherapy, and replacement of pancreatic enzymes. ## Footnote A new medication called ivacaftor (Kalydeco) helps prevent the buildup of thick mucus in the lungs.

Answer 30

Lung transplantation becomes necessary for some cystic fibrosis patients, as it can restore lung function and prolong life.

Answer 31

Collapsed lung; incomplete expansion of alveoli. ## Footnote In atelectasis, the bronchioles and alveoli (pulmonary parenchyma) resemble a collapsed balloon.

Answer 32

Hyperinflation of air sacs with destruction of alveolar walls. ## Footnote There is a strong association between cigarette smoking and emphysema.

Answer 33

Loss of elasticity and breakdown of alveolar walls result in expiratory flow limitation. ## Footnote This leads to right ventricular hypertrophy and right heart failure (cor pulmonale).

Answer 34

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are both forms of COPD.

Answer 35

malignant tumor arising from the lungs and bronchi This group of cancers is often associated with cigarette smoking and is the most frequent fatal malignancy.

Answer 36

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Answer 37

Abnormal lung condition caused by exposure to certain dusts; with chronic inflammation, infection, and bronchitis.

Answer 38

A form of pneumoconiosis caused by coal (anthrac/o) dust.

Answer 39

A form of pneumoconiosis caused by asbestos (asbest/o) particles, often found in shipbuilding and construction trades.

Answer 40

A form of pneumoconiosis caused by silica (silic/o) or glass, also known as grinder's disease.

Answer 41

Acute inflammation and infection of alveoli, which fill with pus or products of the inflammatory reaction. Etiologic agents are pneumococci, staphylococci, and other bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

Answer 42

Infection damages alveolar membranes so that an exudate consolidates the alveoli, making air exchange less effective.

Answer 43

An infiltrate is a fluid-filled area within the lungs as seen on a chest x-ray or CT scan.

Answer 44

Lobar pneumonia involves an entire lobe of a lung.

Answer 45

Bronchopneumonia is a limited form of infection that produces patchy consolidation (abscesses) in the lung parenchyma.

Answer 46

Treatment includes appropriate antibiotics and, if necessary, oxygen and mechanical ventilation in severe cases.

Answer 47

Community-acquired pneumonia results from a contagious respiratory infection, caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria, and is usually treated at home with oral antibiotics.

Answer 48

Hospital-acquired pneumonia is acquired during hospitalization, often while on mechanical ventilation or as a hospital-acquired infection.

Answer 49

Aspiration pneumonia is caused by material, such as food or vomitus, lodging in bronchi or lungs.

Answer 50

It is a danger in the elderly, Alzheimer disease patients, stroke victims, and people with esophageal reflux and feeding tubes.

Answer 51

Fluid in the air sacs and bronchioles, most often caused by the inability of the heart to pump blood effectively.

Answer 52

Blood backs up in the pulmonary blood vessels and fluid seeps out into the alveoli and bronchioles.

Answer 53

Immediate medical attention includes drugs (diuretics), oxygen in high concentrations, and keeping the patient in a sitting position to decrease venous return to the heart.

Answer 54

Clot or other material lodges in vessels of the lung. The clot (embolus) travels from distant veins, usually in the legs. Occlusion can produce an area of dead (necrotic) tissue; this is a pulmonary infarction. PE often causes acute pleuritic chest pain and may be associated with blood in the sputum, fever, and respiratory insufficiency. ## Footnote CT angiography is the primary diagnostic tool for pulmonary emboli.

Answer 55

Formation of scar tissue in the connective tissue of the lungs. This condition can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary as the result of chronic inflammation or irritation caused by tuberculosis, pneumonia, or pneumoconiosis.

Answer 56

Chronic inflammatory disease in which small nodules (granulomas) develop in lungs, lymph nodes, and other organs. The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy or lung involvement is visible on chest x-ray in most cases. Many patients are asymptomatic and retain adequate pulmonary function. Sarcoidosis may affect the brain, heart, liver, and other organs. Other patients have more active disease and impair pulmonary function. Glucocorticoids are used to prevent progression of the illness.

Answer 57

Infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis; lungs usually are involved, but any organ in the body may be affected. Rod-shaped bacteria called bacilli invade the lungs, producing small tubercles of infection. Early TB usually is asymptomatic and detected on routine chest x-ray studies. Signs and symptoms of advanced disease are cough, weight loss, night sweats, hemoptysis, and pleuritic pain. Antituberculosis chemotherapy (isoniazid, rifampin) is effective in most cases. ## Footnote Immunocompromised patients are particularly susceptible to antibiotic-resistant TB. It is important and often necessary to treat TB with several drugs at the same time to prevent drug resistance.

Answer 58

The PPD skin test is given to most hospital and medical employees because TB is highly contagious. A positive PPD test indicates exposure to TB, and treatment with isoniazid will be necessary even in the absence of lung infection.

Answer 59

Rare malignant tumor arising in the pleura

Answer 60

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (cavity).

Answer 61

Exudates (fluid from tumors and infections) and transudates (fluid from congestive heart failure or cirrhosis).

Answer 62

Inflammation of the pleura.

Answer 63

Pleurodynia and dyspnea, and in chronic cases, pleural effusion.

Answer 64

Collection of air in the pleural space.

Answer 65

It may occur in the course of a pulmonary disease (emphysema, carcinoma, tuberculosis, or lung abscess) when a break in the lung surface releases air into the pleural space.

Answer 66

Trauma and perforation of the chest wall or prolonged high-flow oxygen delivered by a respirator in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Answer 67

The artificial production of adhesions between the parietal and visceral pleura for treatment of persistent pneumothorax and severe pleural effusion.

Answer 68

By using talc powder or drugs, such as antibiotics, that cause irritation and scarring of the pleura.

Answer 69

Coal dust accumulates in the lungs.

Answer 70

Asbestos particles accumulate in the lungs.

Answer 71

Rod-shaped bacteria. ## Footnote Singular: bacillus

Answer 72

Chronic condition of persistent obstruction of airflow through bronchial tubes and lungs. ## Footnote COPD is caused by smoking, air pollution, chronic infection, and, in a minority of cases, asthma.

Answer 73

Failure of the right side of the heart to pump a sufficient amount of blood to the lungs because of underlying lung disease.

Answer 74

Fluid, cells, and other substances (pus) that filter from cells or capillaries ooze into lesions or areas of inflammation.

Answer 75

Collection of fluid or other material within the lung, as seen on a chest film, CT scan, or other radiologic image.

Answer 76

Relieving symptoms, but not curing the disease.

Answer 77

Pertaining to a sudden occurrence, such as a spasm or seizure.

Answer 78

Area of necrosis (death of lung tissue).

Answer 79

Containing pus.

Answer 80

Disease due to silica or glass dust in the lungs; occurs in mining occupations.

Answer 81

A radiographic image of the thoracic cavity (chest film).

Answer 82

Chest x-rays are taken in the frontal (coronal) plane as posteroanterior (PA) or anteroposterior (AP) views and in the sagittal plane as lateral views.

Answer 83

A computer-generated series of x-ray images showing thoracic structures in cross section and other planes.

Answer 84

It is for the diagnosis of lesions difficult to assess by conventional radiographic studies, such as those in the lungs, mediastinum, and pleura.

Answer 85

The combination of CT scanning and angiography.

Answer 86

It is useful to examine the pulmonary circulation in the diagnosis of a pulmonary embolism.

Answer 87

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Answer 88

Detailed images of the chest in frontal, lateral (sagittal), and cross-sectional (axial) planes.

Answer 89

It is helpful in defining mediastinal tumors.

Answer 90

Mediastinal tumors, such as those of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Answer 91

Because it can assess mediastinal tumors that are difficult to evaluate by CT scan.

Answer 92

A PET scan involves injecting radioactive glucose to reveal metabolic activity in the lungs. ## Footnote It can identify malignant tumors with higher metabolic activity and assess small nodules seen on a CT scan.

Answer 93

A V/Q scan detects radioactivity in the lung after intravenous injection of a radioisotope and inhalation of a small amount of radioactive gas (xenon). ## Footnote It identifies areas of the lung not receiving adequate airflow or blood flow and can suggest a pulmonary embolus if airflow is present without matched blood flow.

Answer 94

Fiberoptic endoscope examination of the bronchial tubes.

Answer 95

A physician places the bronchoscope through the throat, larynx, and trachea into the bronchi for diagnosis, biopsy, or collection of secretions.

Answer 96

In bronchoalveolar lavage (bronchial washing), fluid is injected and withdrawn.

Answer 97

In bronchial brushing, a brush is inserted through the bronchoscope and is used to scrape off tissue.

Answer 98

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is performed during bronchoscopy to diagnose and stage lung cancer.

Answer 99

An EBUS-guided biopsy allows for sampling of small (<3 cm) peripheral lesions endoscopically.

Answer 100

Placement of a tube through the mouth into the pharynx, larynx, and trachea to establish an airway. This procedure also allows the patient to be placed on a mechanical ventilator.

Answer 101

Visual examination of the voice box using a lighted, flexible endoscope passed through the mouth or nose into the larynx.

Answer 102

Removal of lung tissue followed by microscopic examination. Specimens may be obtained by bronchoscopy, thoracotomy, needle biopsy through the chest wall, or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Answer 103

Endoscopic visual examination of the mediastinum. An incision is made above the breastbone for inspection and biopsy of lymph nodes in the underlying space.

Answer 104

Tests that measure the ventilation mechanics of the lungs: airway function, lung volume, and the capacity of the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently.

Answer 105

PFTs are used to evaluate patients with shortness of breath, monitor lung function in patients with known respiratory disease, evaluate disability, and assess lung function before surgery.

Answer 106

A spirometer measures the volume and rate of air passing into and out of the lung.

Answer 107

PFTs determine whether lung disease is obstructive, restrictive, or both.

Answer 108

In obstructive lung disease, airways are narrowed, resulting in resistance to airflow during breathing. A hallmark PFT abnormality is decreased expiratory flow rate or FEV1.

Answer 109

Examples include asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiolitis.

Answer 110

Restrictive lung disease is characterized by limited lung expansion due to conditions affecting the chest wall, pleura, or lung tissue itself. ## Footnote A hallmark PFT abnormality is decreased total lung capacity (TLC).

Answer 111

Examples include pulmonary fibrosis, radiation damage to the lung, and pneumoconiosis. ## Footnote Other causes include neuromuscular conditions like myasthenia gravis and muscular dystrophy.

Answer 112

It is assessed by determining the diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO). ## Footnote A patient breathes in a small amount of carbon monoxide, and the time taken for the gas to enter the bloodstream is measured.

Answer 113

A common cause of reduced DLCO is emphysema due to destruction of alveoli.

Answer 114

Thoracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to remove excess fluid. ## Footnote It is used to obtain pleural fluid for diagnosis or to drain a pleural effusion.

Answer 115

Large surgical incision of the chest. ## Footnote The incision is large, cutting into bone, muscle, and cartilage. It is necessary for major resections of the lung (lobectomy and pneumonectomy).

Answer 116

Visual examination of the chest via small incisions and use of an endoscope. ## Footnote Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) allows the surgeon to view the chest from a video monitor. The thoracoscope is equipped with a camera that magnifies the image on the monitor. Thoracoscopy can diagnose and treat conditions of the lung, pleura, and mediastinum.

Answer 117

Surgical creation of an opening into the trachea through the neck. ## Footnote A tube is inserted to create an airway. The tracheostomy tube may be permanent as well as an emergency device. A tracheotomy is the incision necessary to create a tracheostomy.

Answer 118

Determines past or present tuberculous exposure based on a positive skin reaction. ## Footnote Examples are the Heaf test and the tine test, using purified protein derivative (PPD) applied with multiple punctures of the skin, and the Mantoux test, using PPD given by intradermal injection.

Answer 119

Flexible, plastic chest tube is passed into the pleural space through an opening in the chest. ## Footnote This procedure is used to continuously remove air (pneumothorax), fluid (pleural effusion), blood (hemothorax), pus (empyema).

Respiratory System Vocab Flashcards

(155 cards)