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Medical Terminology > The Respiratory System > Flashcards

The Respiratory System Flashcards

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USMLE® Step 1 flashcards
1
Q

Describe the function of the respiratory system

A

The body’s system for breathing. It’s primary function involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere, the body, and it’s cells

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2
Q

Combining form: adenoid/o

A

adenoid

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3
Q

Combining form: alveol/o

A

alveolus

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4
Q

Combining form: bronch/o, bronchi/o

A

bronchus

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5
Q

Combining form: bronchiol/o

A

bronchiole

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6
Q

Combining form: capn/o

A

carbon dioxide

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7
Q

Combining form: epiglott/o

A

epiglottis

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8
Q

Combining form: laryng/o

A

larynx

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9
Q

Combining form: lob/o

A

lobe of the lung

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10
Q

Combining form: mediastin/o

A

mediastinum

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11
Q

Combining form: nas/o

A

nose

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12
Q

Combining form: or/o

A

mouth

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13
Q

Combining form: ox/o, oxi-, oxy-

A

oxygen

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14
Q

Combining form: pharyng/o

A

pharynx

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15
Q

Combining form: phon/o

A

voice, sound

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16
Q

Combining form: phren/o

A

diaphragm

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17
Q

Combining form: pleur/o

A

pleura

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18
Q

Combining form: pneum/o, pneumon/o

A

air, lung

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19
Q

Combining form: rhin/o

A

nose

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20
Q

Combining form: spir/o

A

breathing

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21
Q

Combining form: steth/o

A

chest

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22
Q

Combining form: thorac/o

A

thorax, chest

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23
Q

Combining form: tonsill/o

A

tonsils

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24
Q

Combining form: trache/o

A

trachea

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25
Q

Define: respiratory system

A

the body’s breathing system

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26
Q

Define: external respiration

A

breathing or exchanging air between the body and the external environment

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27
Q

Define: internal respiration

A

bringing the oxygen to the cells and removing carbon dioxide from them

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28
Q

Define: lungs

A

organs where oxygenation of blood takes place

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29
Q

Define: respiratory tract

A

passageway through which air moves in and out of the lungs

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30
Q

Define: inspiration

A

breathing in or inhalation

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31
Q

What is the function of the nose?

A

to warm, filter, and moisten the air you inhale

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32
Q

Define: nasal septum

A

a strip of cartilage that separates the two external nares (nostrils)

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33
Q

Define: cilia

A

nose hairs in the nasal cavity that filter out the foreign bodies

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34
Q

Define: pharynx

A

the passageway for both food and air (also called the throat)

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35
Q

Define: nasopharynx

A

a subdivision of the pharynx that lies above the soft palate

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36
Q

Define: soft palate

A

flexible muscular sheet that separates the nasopharynx from the rest of the pharynx

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37
Q

Define: pharyngeal tonsils

A

more commonly known as the adenoids, and they aid in the body’s immune defense

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38
Q

Define: oropharynx

A

a subdivision of the pharynx - the back portion of the mouth

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39
Q

Define: palatine tonsils

A

lymphatic tissue that works as part of the immune system

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40
Q

Define: laryngopharynx

A

the bottom and third section of the pharynx. Here, the respiratory tract divides into the esophagus, the passageway for food, and the voice box

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41
Q

Define: larynx

A

voice box

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42
Q

Define: trachea

A

cartilaginous and membranous tube that connects the larynx to the right and left bronchi - also known as the windpipe

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43
Q

Define: epiglottis

A

a moveable flap of cartilage that covers the opening to the larynx every time you swallow to prevent food from entering

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44
Q

Define: glottis

A

opening to the larynx

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45
Q

Define: vocal cords

A

strips of epithelial tissue that vibrate when muscular tension is applied

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46
Q

Define: thyroid cartilage

A

two cartilage disks joined at an angle to support the larynx - also called the Adam’s apple

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47
Q

Define: bronchi

A

the tubular branches into which the larynx divides

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48
Q

Define: mediastinum

A

a general term for the median area, especially one with a septum

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49
Q

Define: septum

A

cartilaginous division

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50
Q

Define: expiration

A

air being pushed out of the lungs that travels up through the respiratory tract and then expelled into the environment - also called exhalation

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51
Q

Define: bronchioles

A

many smaller branches of the bronchi

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52
Q

Define: alveolus

A

air sacs that sit in clusters at the end of each bronchiole

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53
Q

Define: thorax

A

another name for the thoracic cavity

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54
Q

Define: pleura

A

the outside double layer of the lungs

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55
Q

Define: parietal pleura

A

the outer layer of the pleura that lines the thoracic cavity, the inside of the ribs

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56
Q

Define: visceral pleura

A

the inner layer of the pleura that covers the surface of the lungs

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57
Q

Define: pleura cavity

A

the space between the two layers of the pleura that is filled with pleural fluid that prevents contact between the ribs and the lungs

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58
Q

Define: apex

A

the topmost section of the lungs

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59
Q

Define: hilum

A

the middle area of the lung (also called the hilus)

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60
Q

Define: base

A

the lower section of the lungs

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61
Q

Describe the divisions of each lung

A

the right lung is divided into the superior lobe, the middle lobe, and the inferior lobe, while the left, smaller lung, is divided into the superior and inferior lobes

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62
Q

Define: diaphragm

A

major muscle that contracts in the thoracic cavity. It lowers itself when it contracts, allowing more space

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63
Q

Define: intercostal muscles

A

the muscles between the ribs - pull the ribs upward and outward when they contract, enlarging the thoracic cavity

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64
Q

What is epiglottitis?

A

inflammation of the epiglottis

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65
Q

What is a phonometer?

A

an instrument for measuring sounds

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66
Q

What is rhinitis?

A

inflammation of the nose

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67
Q

What is an adenoidectomy?

A

An operation for removal of adenoid growths

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68
Q

What is pleuritis?

A

inflammation of the pleura

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69
Q

What is a capnogram?

A

A continuous recording of the carbon dioxide in expired air

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70
Q

What is nasogastric?

A

relating to the nasal passages and the stomach

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71
Q

What is a tonsillectomy?

A

Removal of one entire tonsil, or both

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72
Q

What is bronchitis?

A

inflammation of the lining in the bronchial tubes

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73
Q

What is pneumolith?

A

calculus in the lungs

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74
Q

What is the oropharnyx?

A

the part of the pharynx that lies behind the mouth

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75
Q

What is a tracheoscopy?

A

an inspection of the interior of the trachea

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76
Q

What is mediastinitis?

A

inflammation of the tissue of the mediastinum

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77
Q

What is alveolitis?

A

inflammation of the alveoli

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78
Q

What is a stethoscope?

A

an instrument used to listen to the sounds in the chest

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79
Q

What is a lobectomy?

A

removal of a lung lobe

80
Q

What is pneumonitis?

A

inflammation of the lungs

81
Q

What is phrenitis?

A

inflammation of the diaphragm

82
Q

What is a laryngoscope?

A

a device used to examine the larynx through the mouth

83
Q

What is a spirometer?

A

an instrument used to measure respiratory gases

84
Q

What is bronchiolitis?

A

inflammation of the bronchioles

85
Q

What is an oximeter?

A

an instrument for measuring oxygen saturation of blood

86
Q

What is a thoracotomy?

A

an incision into the chest wall

87
Q

What is pharyngitis?

A

inflammation of the pharynx

88
Q

Define: auscultation

A

the process of listening to the lungs with a stethoscope

89
Q

Define: percussion

A

the act of tapping over the lung area to see if the lungs are clear or full of fluid

90
Q

Define: pulmonary function tests

A

A test that measures the mechanics of breathing

91
Q

Define: peak flow meter

A

a measuring device used to check breathing capacity

92
Q

Define: spirometer

A

a machine that tests pulmonary function by measuring the lungs’ volume and capacity

93
Q

Define: bronchography

A

provides a radiological picture of the trachea and the bronchi

94
Q

Define: endoscope

A

a viewing tube

95
Q

Define: bronchoscope

A

a device used for bronchoscopy

96
Q

Define: nasopharyngoscopy

A

a process where a flexible endoscope is used to examine nasal passages and the pharynx

97
Q

Define: laryngoscopy

A

the procedure for examining the mouth and larynx

98
Q

Define: mediastinoscopy

A

a procedure for examining the mediastinum area and all the organs within it

99
Q

Define: throat cultures

A

are commonly used to diagnose streptococcal infections

100
Q

Define: sputum sample

A

a sample that may be taken and cultured to identify any disease-causing organisms

101
Q

Define: arterial blood gases (ABGs)

A

Measurement of the levels of pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide dissolved in the plasms of arterial blood

102
Q

Define: sweat test

A

measures the amount of salt in sweat and is used to confirm cystic fibrosis

103
Q

What is pharyngitis?

A

A sore throat and inflammation of the pharynx

104
Q

What is laryngotracheobronchitis?

A

inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and the bronchi

105
Q

What is adenoiditis?

A

inflammation of the adenoids

106
Q

What is chronic bronchitis?

A

recurring or long lasting bronchitis

107
Q

What is tonsillitis?

A

inflammation of the tonsils

108
Q

What is pleurisy?

A

inflammation of the pleura

109
Q

What is tracheitis?

A

inflammation of the trachea

110
Q

What is laryngitis?

A

inflammation of the larynx

111
Q

What is nasopharyngitis?

A

inflammation of the nose and pharynx

112
Q

What is sinusitis?

A

inflammation of the sinuses

113
Q

What is eupnea?

A

normal breathing

114
Q

What is apnea?

A

Absence of breathing

115
Q

What is tachypnea?

A

fast breathing

116
Q

What is hyperpnea?

A

abnormally deep breathing

117
Q

What is orthopnea?

A

difficulty breathing, especially while lying down

118
Q

What is bradypnea?

A

slow breathing

119
Q

What is dyspnea?

A

difficult breathing

120
Q

What is hypopnea?

A

shallow breathing

121
Q

What is Cheyne-Stokes respiration?

A

an irregular breathing pattern with a period of apnea followed by deep, labored breathing that becomes shallow, then apneic

122
Q

What are crackles or rales?

A

popping sounds heard in lung collapse or other conditions, such as congestive heart failure or pneumonia.

123
Q

What are wheezes or rhonchi?

A

irregular sound occurring during attacks of asthma or emphysema

124
Q

What is stridor?

A

a high pitched crowing sound

125
Q

What is dysphonia?

A

hoarseness, often associated with laryngitis

126
Q

What is hyperventilation?

A

excessive breathing in and out

127
Q

What is hypoventilation?

A

abnormally low movement of air in and out of the lungs

128
Q

What is hypercapnia?

A

excessive build up of carbon dioxide in the lungs

129
Q

What is hypoxemia?

A

deficient amount of oxygen in the blood

130
Q

What is hypoxia?

A

deficient amount of oxygen in tissue

131
Q

What is an upper respiratory infection?

A

a term that covers an infection of some or all of the upper respiratory tract

132
Q

What is croup?

A

acute respiratory syndrome in children and infants

133
Q

What is diphtheria?

A

acute infection of the throat and upper respiratory tract

134
Q

Define: nosebleed or epistaxis

A

results from trauma or a spontaneous rupture of blood vessels in the nose

135
Q

Define: rhinorrhea

A

nasal discharge usually caused by an inflammation or infection

136
Q

Define: whooping cough or pertussis

A

a severe infection of the pharynx, larynx and trachea

137
Q

Define: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A

a term for any disease with chronic obstruction of the bronchial tubes and lungs

138
Q

Define: asthma

A

a condition of bronchial airway obstruction

139
Q

Define: hemoptysis

A

a lung or bronchial hemorrhage that results in the coughing up of blood

140
Q

Define: cystic fibrosis

A

involves chronic airway obstruction caused by disease of the exocrine glands

141
Q

Define: atelectasis

A

an incomplete expansion of the lung or part of the lung

142
Q

Define: emphysema

A

hyperinflation of the air sacs often caused by smoking

143
Q

Define: pneumonia

A

acute infection of the alveoli

144
Q

Define: tuberculosis

A

a highly infectious disease caused by rod-shaped bacteria that invade the lungs and cause small swellings and inflammation

145
Q

Define: bacilli

A

rod-shaped bacteria

146
Q

Define: pulmonary abscess

A

A large collection of pus in the lungs

147
Q

Define: pulmonary edema

A

a buildup of fluid in the air sacs and bronchioles

148
Q

Define: pneumoconiosis

A

a lung condition caused by dust in the lungs

149
Q

Define: black lung or anthracosis

A

caused by coal dust

150
Q

Define: asbestosis

A

a condition caused by the inhalation of asbestos particles

151
Q

Define: pneumothorax

A

an accumulation of air or gas in the pleural cavity

152
Q

Define: empyema

A

pus in the pleural cavity

153
Q

Define: hemothorax

A

blood in the pleural cavity

154
Q

Define: pleural effusion

A

an escape of fluid into the pleural cavity

155
Q

Define: mesothelioma

A

a cancer associated with asbestosis

156
Q

Define: bronchospasms

A

severe spasms in the bronchi

157
Q

Define: laryngospasms

A

severe spasms in the larynx

158
Q

Define: otorhinolaryngologists

A

doctors that specialize in disorders of the upper respiratory tract

159
Q

Define: laryngectomy

A

removes the larynx

160
Q

Define: pneumonectomy

A

the excision of a lung

161
Q

Define: bronchoplasty

A

a surgical repair of the bronchus

162
Q

Define: laryngoplasty

A

a surgical repair of the larynx

163
Q

Define: rhinoplasty

A

surgical repair of the nose

164
Q

Define: septoplasty

A

surgical repair of the nasal septum

165
Q

Define: tracheoplasty

A

surgical repair of the trachea

166
Q

Define: thoracic surgeons

A

specialists who perform procedures that involve incisions into parts of the respiratory system

167
Q

Define: laryngotracheotomy

A

an incision of the larynx and trachea

168
Q

Define: septostomy

A

a creation of an opening in the nasal septum

169
Q

Define: sinusotomy

A

an incision of the sinus

170
Q

Define: thoracotomy

A

an incision into the chest cavity

171
Q

Define: thoracostomy

A

an establishment of an opening in the chest cavity to drain fluid

172
Q

Define: tracheotomy

A

an incision into the trachea usually to provide an airway

173
Q

Define: laryngocentesis

A

surgical puncture of the larynx

174
Q

Define: pleurocentesis

A

surgical puncture of the pleural space

175
Q

Define: thoracentesis

A

surgical puncture of the chest cavity

176
Q

Define: tracheostomy

A

artificial tracheal opening

177
Q

Define: laryngostomy

A

artificial laryngeal opening

178
Q

Define: endotracheal intubation

A

insertion of a tube through the nose or mouth, pharynx, and larynx, into the trachea to establish an airway

179
Q

What are bronchodilators?

A

drugs that dilate the walls of the bronchi

180
Q

What are expectorants?

A

drugs that promote coughing and the expulsion of mucus

181
Q

What are antitussives?

A

drugs that relieve coughing

182
Q

What are decongestants?

A

drugs that help with congestion of the upper respiratory tract

183
Q

What are ventilators?

A

mechanical device that serves as a breathing substitute for patients who cannot breathe on their own

184
Q

What are nebulizers?

A

mechanical device that delivers medication through the nose or mouth to ease breathing problems

185
Q

Abbreviations: ABG

A

arterial blood gas

186
Q

Abbreviations: AFB

A

acid-fast bacillus

187
Q

Abbreviations: ARDS

A

acute respiratory distress syndrome

188
Q

Abbreviations: COPD

A

chronic obstruction pulmonary disease

189
Q

Abbreviations: CPAP

A

continuous positive airway pressure

190
Q

Abbreviations: LRT

A

lower respiratory tract

191
Q

Abbreviations: MDI

A

metered dose inhaler

192
Q

Abbreviations: PFT

A

pulmonary function test

193
Q

Abbreviations: SIDS

A

Sudden infant death syndrome

194
Q

Abbreviations: SOB

A

shortness of breath

195
Q

Abbreviations: TB

A

tuberculosis

196
Q

Abbreviations: URT

A

upper respiratory tract

Medical Terminology (7 decks)

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