Definitions Part I Flashcards
Respiratory system
Organ system that carries out gas exchange; includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs
Nose
The only external organ of the respiratory system
Nostrils; nares
Either of the two external openings of the nasal cavities that admit air to the lungs
Nasal cavity
Space within the skull posterior and inferior to the nose
Nasal septum
Midline dividing the nasal cavity
Conchae
Projections from the walls of the nasal cavity that increase air turbulence and surface area of mucous membrane exposed to air to aid in warming and moistening
Palate
Roof of the mouth
Hard palate
Roof of mouth formed by the fusion of two maxillae bones
Soft palate
Portion of the roof of the mouth that is not supported by bone
Cleft palate
Failure of the bone forming palate to fuse medially
Paranasal sinuses
Air-filled spaces within the maxillae on either side of the nasal cavity that are lined with mucous membrane → helps lighten the weight of the skull
Rhinitis
Inflammation of the nasal mucosa
Sinusitis
Sinus inflammation
Sinus headache
Headaches that may feel like an infection in the sinuses (sinusitis-like)
Pharynx
Muscular tube extending from the posterior of the nasal cavities to the esophagus; throat
Posterior nasal aperture
The paired openings between the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx
Nasopharynx
Most superior region of the pharynx
Oropharynx
Part of the pharynx which lies between the soft palate and the hyoid bone
Laryngopharynx
Part of the throat between the hyoid bone and the larynx where food and air pass
Pharyngeal tonsil
Single tonsil located in the nasopharynx known as the adenoid
Palatine tonsils
Pair of tonsils flanking the oropharynx
Lingual tonsils
Pair of tonsils located at the back of the base of the tongue
Tonsilitis
Inflammation of the tonsils
Larynx
Cartilaginous organ located between the trachea and the pharynx; voice box
