Respiratory System Flashcards
Naris (sl.)/Nares (pl.)/Nostril
The opening into the nasal passages from the outside.
Nasal Septum
The partition that divides the nasal cavity into two passageways.
Nasal conchae
The three projections arising from the lateral walls of each nostril- increases the surface area of the nasal cavities.
Mucosa/Mucous membranes
The lining that lines or covers the nasal passages to trap foreign particles, warm and moisten the air.
Cilia
Microscopic hair-like processes projecting from the surface of the epithelial (mucosal) cells. Meant to sweep particles trapped by the mucous backward into the throat. NOT NASAL HAIR.
Pharynx
The area below the nasal cavities that is common to both the digestive and respiratory systems. (a musculo-membranous tube)
Nasopharynx
Superior portion of the pharyngeal cavity that lies behind the nasal cavities.
Oropharnyx
The middle portion of the pharyngeal cavity that lies behind the mouth.
Larygopharynx
The inferior portion of the pharyngeal cavity. It opens into the larynx anteriorly and continues as the esophagus posteriorly.
Larnyx
The scientific name for the voice box.
Epiglottis
The leaf-shaped structure that helps to prevent the entrance of food into the trachea.
Trachea
The windpipe, 4 inches long, one inch wide, has c-shaped cartilaginous rings.
Bronchi (Bronchus)
One of the two branches formed by division of the trachea.
Bronchioles
Smaller branches of the bronchi.
Alveolar ducts
Microscopic branches of the bronchioles that lead into the air sacs.
Alveoli(pl.)/Alveolus(sl.)
Microscopic air sacs found at the terminal ends of the duct (air passages) system. The respiratory structure involved in gas exchange.
Lungs
The organ of respiration. Where diffusion takes place. Contains bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveoli, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
Pleura
The serous membrane around each lung. A double membrane sac consists of the parietal (outside) and the visceral (inside) with the pleural cavity filled with pleural fluid in between each membrane.
Pleural Cavity
The space between the parietal and visceral membrane filled with pleural fluid.
Pleurisy
Inflammation of the pleura. Dry pleurisy (pain associated with friction between the membranes as they rub together) or Pleurisy with Effusion (increase in the amount of fluid in the pleural cavity).
Pulmonary ventilation
During respiration, we change pressure in the thoracic cavity by the movement of the diaphragm. Air goes from high pressure to low pressure.
Diaphram
A dome-shaped muscular partition separating the thorax from the abdomen in mammals. It plays a major role in breathing, as its contraction increases the volume of the thorax and so inflates the lungs.
Inhalation
The phase of pulmonary ventilation in which the diaphragm contracts and draws air into the lungs.
Exhalation
The phase of pulmonary ventilation in which air is expelled from alveoli.
Gas Exchange
Takes place in the alveoli or air sacs (functional unit of the respiratory system) inside the lung.
Phrenic Nerve
Controls your diaphragm.
Spirometer
A diagnostic device that measures the amount of air you are able to breathe in or out and the time it takes to completely exhale.
Diffusion
The process by which oxygen moves from the blood to the tissues.
Gas Transport -Oxygen
Oxygen- 97% in systemic arteries/pulmonary vein, 70% in systemic vein/pulmonary artery, oxygen binds to iron portion of the hemoglobin molecule, each hemoglobin molecule can transport 4 oxygen molecules, oxygen-hemoglobin bods is broken when oxygen is transported to areas of low oxygen.
Bicarbonate ions
Seventy percent of carbon dioxide is transported in the body as bicarbonate ions.
Hyperventilation
Causes the carbon dioxide levels in the blood to decrease.
Hypoventilation
Causes the oxygen levels in the blood to decrease.
Hyperpnoea
Increase in the depth and rate of respiration
Apnea
Temporary cessation of breathing
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing.
Orthopnea
Difficulty breathing, relieved by sitting in an upright position.
Cyanosis
Bluish color of skin due to reduction of oxygen content in the blood.
Hypoxia/Anoxia
Reduced oxygen supply to tissues.
Suffocation
Cessation of respiration caused by the blockage of respiratory passages.
Asphyxia
Lack of oxygen in inspired air.
Polyps
Tumors which obstruct the air passages.
Epistaxis
A nose bleed.
Common Cold
A common upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. Antibiotics are ineffective.
Pneumonia
Inflammation of the alveoli- viral or bacterial.
Influenza
Viral in origin. Flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it’s not the same as stomach “flu” viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting
Tuberculosis
Bacterial in origin. Caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick
Asthma
A constriction of the bronchial branches in the lungs.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchi.
Emphysema
A serious lung disorder that is characterized by the destruction of the alveoli.
Atelectasis
Incomplete expansion of the lungs, is responsible for the death of many premature newborn infants.
Lung Cancer
A cancer primarily caused by smoking that presents as a chronic cough, excessive production of mucous, vasoconstriction and an increase of gastric secretions including hydrochloric acid.
Carbonic Anhydrase
The enzyme that converts CO2 to HCO3-
Hypercapnia
Excessive carbon dioxide in the blood- part of Hypoxemia
Hypoxia
Low Oxygen in the blood- part of Hypoxemia
Acid-Base balance (pH)
Carbon dioxide is the important for proper acid-base balance in the body (increase in CO2 decreases pH, decrease in CO2 increases pH)
Chemoreceptors
Give input to the medulla located in the aorta and carotid arteries and CO2 is the most important factor.
Carbonic Acid
H2CO3
Pneumothorax
The presence of air or gas in the cavity between the lungs and the chest wall, causing collapse of the lung.
Surfactant
A mixture of fat and proteins made in the lungs
Respiration
The action of breathing.
Ventilation
The movement of air into and out of the lungs.
Carbon Monoxide
A gas that has a greater affinity to hemoglobin than oxygen.
Hemoglobin
The substance that carries most of the oxygen in the blood.
Conchae
The three projections arising from the lateral walls of each nostril.
Basal Metabolic respiratory rate
12-18 respirations/minute
Gas Transport- Carbon Dioxide
10% Carbon Dioxide in plasma, 20% attached to hemoglobin, 70% transported as bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), CO2 is produced in the tissue and diffuses to the RBCs, Inside RBCs enzymes convert CO2 to HCO3-.
Allergy- Hay Fever
Also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like symptoms. These may include a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to a harmless outdoor or indoor substance the body identifies as harmful (allergen).
Hypoxemia
Includes Hypercapnia (excessive CO2) and Hypoxia (low O2)
Paranasal sinus
Hollow, air-filled spaces in the bones around the nose.
