Respiratory: Definitions - 15.1 Functions and Anatomy (N - Z) Flashcards
Nares
Also called nostrils. Opening to nasal cavity.
Nasal cavity
Superior to oral cavity and separated by the hard and soft palate. Contain mucous membranes, a septum and nasal conchae.
Nasal septum
Divides nasal cavity into two parts. Septum means “wall”.
Nasolacrimal duct
The tear duct, that drains tears into the nasal cavity.
Nasopharynx
Superior portion of the pharynx. Transports air only.
Nasal Conchae
Three pairs of inward folds in the lateral walls of the nasal cavity.
Olfactory epithelium
Special cells in the nasal cavity that detect smell.
oropharynx
The middle portion of the pharynx.
Palatine tonsil
Lymphatic tissue that is located in the posterior pharynx.
Parietal (outer) pleura
A serous membrane that attaches to the thoracic cavity wall.
Pathogen
Any disease-causing microorganism.
Pharynx
Commonly called the “throat”. A muscular passage in which the respiratory and digestive tract share.
Pharyngeal tonsil
Lymphatic tissue located on the wall of the oropharynx.
Pleura
A double-walled serous membrane that encloses each lung.
Pleural fluid
Fluid of the pleura cavity, between the visceral pleura and parietal pleura.
Pleura cavity
Formed between the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura. Contains a serous fluid that is called pleural fluid.
Pneumothorax
Air enters the pleural cavity which can cause the lung to collapse. Example: gunshot wound,
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Type of epithelial tissue that produces mucous.
Pulmonary capillaries
Small, narrow capillaries that surround each alveolus.
Pulmonary Surfactant
A lipid secreted by great alveolar cells to prevent the thin walls of the alveolus from sticking together and collapsing.
Respiratory membrane
A very, very thin membrane that is between the pulmonary and systemic capillaries. Capable of gas exchange.
Simple squamous epithelium
Single layer of squamous cells that allow for diffusion.
Sinus
A cavity in a bone. In head – lined with mucous membranes.
Soft Palate
The fleshy part (no bone) on the posterior portion of the palate.
Squamous alveolar cells
Simple layer of squamous (flat) cells used in diffusion of gases through the respiratory membrane.
Stratified squamous Epithelium
Many layers of flat cells that provide protection in areas where there is a lot of abrasion, such as food rubbing against them.
Surfactant
Lipid secreted by great alveolar cells that prevent the alveoli from collapsing.
Thoracic cavity
“Chest cavity”. Also called “thorax”.
Thyroid cartilage
Largest of the cartilages in the larynx. Commonly called the “Adam’s apple”.
Trachea
A cartilage tube that extends from the inferior end of the larynx to the main bronchi.
Upper respiratory tract
Contains the nasal cavity, pharynx (naso- and oro-), and larynx.
Uvula
A projection of the posterior portion soft palate.
Visceral pleura
A serous membrane that attaches to the lungs.
Vocal cords
Muscular cords that produce sound when air passes through them. Found in larynx.
