Respiratory System Flashcards
aer/o
Air (Anaerobic microorganisms prefer a lack of air for growth.)
atel/o
Imperfect (Atelectasis, when taking the literal definition, means imperfect stretching. In premature infants, atelectasis indicates that the lungs cannot expand fully.)
bronch/o, bronchi/o
Bronchus (bronchi) (Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi found in upper respiratory tract infections; bronchiectasis is an abnormal stretching of the bronchi.)
bronchiol/o
Bronchioles (little bronchi) (Toddlers are often diagnosed with bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the bronchioles.)
laryng/o
Larynx (voice box) (A laryngectomy is the surgical removal of the larynx, usually due to cancer.)
lob/o
Lobes (Lobar pneumonia indicates an infection in only one lobe of a lung. A lobectomy is the surgical removal of a lobe of a lung.)
muc/o
Mucus (The mucous membranes are responsible for secreting mucus in the respiratory tract.)
nas/o, rhin/o
Nose (Nasal sprays are used in the nose to alleviate symptoms of rhinitis, an inflammation of the nose and nasal passages.)
ox/o
oxygen (Hypoxia is a condition of below-normal oxygen levels.)
pharyng/o
Pharynx (throat) (The pharyngeal tonsils are the lymph glands found in the back of the throat.)
pleur/o
Pleura (membrane surrounding each lung) (Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura around one of the lungs.)
pneum/o, pnemon/o
Lung, air (A pneumothorax is a collapsed lung from air rushing in; pneumonitis is an inflammation of a lung, more commonly known as pneumonia.)
pulmon/o
Lung (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that affects the lungs and the oxygen levels.)
sinus/o
Sinus(es) (Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, often from an allergic reaction.)
spir/o
To Breathe (A spirometer is a device that measures the amount of air a patient breathes in and out. Respiratory literally means “pertaining to repeat(ed) breathing.”)
