The Respiratory System Flashcards
nose; exchanges air during inhaling and exhaling; warms, moisturizes, and filters inhaled air
nas/o
sinuses; produces mucus for the nasal cavities, make bones of the skull lighter, and aid in sound production
sinus/o
pharynx; transports air back and forth between the nose and the trachea
pharyng/o
larynx; makes speech possible
laryng/o
epiglottis; closes off the trachea during swallowing
epiglott/o
trachea; transports air back and forth between the pharynx and the bronchi
trache/o
transports air from the trachea to the lungs
bronch/o, bronchi/o
alveoli; air sacs that exchange gases with the pulmonary capillary blood
alveol/o
bring oxygen into the body, and remove carbon dioxide and some water waste from the body
pneum/o, pneomon/o, pulmon/o
supplies the blood with oxygen for transportation to the cells in all parts of the body
respiratory system
nose (nostrils), mouth, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, and trachea
upper respiratory tract
bronchial tree and lungs; located within and protected by the thoracic cavity or thorax (rib cage)
lower respiratory tract
a wall of cartilage that divides the nose into two equal sections
nasal septum
the thin hairs located just inside the nostrils, filter incoming air to remove debris
cilia
line the nose
mucous membranes
a slippery secretion produced by the mucous membranes that protects and lubricates these tissues
mucus
nerve endings that act as the receptors for the sense of smell
olfactory receptors
located at the back of the mouth
palatine tonsils
(nasopharyngeal tonsils) higher up than the palatine tonsils, behind the nose and the roof of the mouth
adenoids
air-filled cavities lined with mucous membrane, located in the bones of the skull
paranasal sinuses
a sac or cavity in any organ or tissue
sinus
located in the frontal bone just above the eyebrow; infection can cause severe pain in area
frontal sinuses
located in the sphenoid bone behind the eye and under the pituitary gland; close to the optic nerves infection can cause vision damage
sphenoid sinuses
largest of the paranasal sinuses, located in the maxillary bones under the eyes; infection can cause pain in the posterior maxillary teeth
maxillary sinuses
located in the ethmoid bones between the nose and the eyes, are irregularly shaped air cells that are separated from the eye cavity by only a thin layer of bone
ethmoid sinuses
(throat) receives the air after it passes through the nose or mouth, as well as food
pharynx
first division, posterior to the nasal cavity and continues downward to behind the mouth; only used by the respiratory system
nasopharynx
second division, is the portion that is visible when looking into the mouth; shared by the respiratory system and digestive system and transports air, food, and fluids downward to the laryngopharynx
oropharynx
third division, also shared by the respiratory and digestive systems
laryngopharynx
(voice box) a triangular chamber located between the pharynx and the trachea; contains the vocal cords
larynx
largest cartilage that protects the larynx; when enlarged, it is known as an Adam’s Apple
thyroid cartilage
lid-like structure located at the base of the tongue, swings downward and closes off the laryngopharynx so that food does not enter the trachea and the lungs
epiglottis
(windpipe) transports air to and from the lungs; located directly in front of the esophagus
trachea
two large tubes, also known as primary bronchi, which branch out from the trachea and convey air onto the lungs
bronchi
(air sacs) very small, grapelike clusters found at the end of each bronchiole; where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place
alveoli
relating to the lungs
pulmonary
detergent-like substance produced by the alveoli; reduces the surface tension of the fluid in the lungs
surfactant
the essential organs of respiration, are divided into lubes
lungs
a subdivision or part of an organ
lobes
larger and has three lobes: the upper, middle, and lower
right lung
only has two lobes, the upper and lower, due to space restrictions because the heart is located on that side of the body
left lung
the middle section of the chest cavity and is located between the lungs; contains connective tissue and organs, including the hears and its veins and arteries, the esophagus, traches, bronchi, the thymus gland, and lymph nodes
mediastinum
thin, moist, and slippery membrane that covers the outer surface of the lungs and lines the inner surface of the thoracic cavity
pleura
the outer layer of the pleura; lines the walls of the thoracic cavity, covers the diaphragm, and forms the sac containing each lung; attached to the chest wall
parietal pleura
the inner later of the pleura that covers each lung, is attached directly to the lungs
visceral pleura
(pleural space) thin, fluid-filled space between the parietal and visceral pleural membranes; the fluid acts as a lubricant, allowing the membranes to slide easily over each other during respiration
pleural cavity
relating to the walls of a cavity
parietal
relating to the internal organs
visceral
(thoracic diaphragm) a dome-shaped sheet of muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdomen; it is the contraction and relaxation of this muscle that makes breathing possible
diaphragm
stimulate the diaphragm and causes it to contract
phrenic nerves
(ventilation, breathing) the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide that is essential to life
respiration
the act of taking in air as the diaphragm contracts and pulls downward
inhalation
the act of breathing out as the diaphragm relaxes
exhalation
the act of bringing air in and out of the lungs from the outside environment and, in the process, exchanging oxygen for carbon dioxide
external respiration
(cellular respiration) the exchange of gases within the cells of the blood and tissues
internal respiration
(ENT) a physician with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the head and neck
otolaryngologist
a physician who specializes in the diagnosing and treating of diseases and disorders of the respiratory system
pulmonologist
performs operations on the organs inside of the thorax, or chest, including the heart, lungs, and esophagus
thoracic surgeon
(COPD) a group of lung diseases in which the bronchial airflow is obstructed, making is difficult to breathe; most often caused by long-term smoking, generally permanent and progressive
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
a disease in which airways have become inflamed due to recurrent exposure to an inhaled irritant, usually cigarette smoke
chronic bronchitis
the progressive long-term loss of lung function, usually due to smoking; characterized by a decrease in the total number of alveoli, enlargement of the remaining alveoli, and the progressive destruction of the walls of these remaining alveoli; results in barrel chest
emphysema
a chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes, often triggered by an allergic reaction
asthma
characterized by episodes of severe breathing difficulty, coughing, and wheezing
asthma attack
a breathing sound caused by a partially obstructed airway
wheezing
the swelling and clogging of bronchial tubes with mucus
airway inflammation
a contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles, tightening and squeezing the airway shut
bronchospasm
the narrowing of the airways that develops after 5 to 15 minutes of physical exertion
exercise-induced asthma
URI, acute nasopharyngitis (common cold); caused by human rhinovirus
upper respiratory infections
(allergy) an allergic reaction to airborne allergens that causes an increased flow of mucus
allergic rhinitis
an inflammation of the lining of the nose caused by something other than an allergen, such as cold air, spicy food, or medication
nonallergic rhinitis
an acute respiratory infection in children and infants characterized by obstruction of the larynx, hoarseness, and swelling around the vocal cords resulting in a barking cough or stridor
croup
a harsh, high-pitched sound caused by a blockage present when breathing in
stridor
an acute bacterial infection of the throat and upper respiratory tract
diphtheria
(nosebleed) bleeding from the nose that may be caused by dry air, injury, medication to prevent blood clotting, or high blood pressure
epistaxis
(flu) an acute, highly contagious viral infection characterized by respiratory inflammation, fever, chills, and muscle pain
influenza
(whooping cough) a contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract that is characterized by recurrent bouts of a paroxysmal cough, followed by breathlessness and a noisy inspiration
pertussis
sudden or spasmlike
paroxysmal
(runny nose) the watery flow of mucus from the nose
rhinorrhea
an inflammation of the sinuses
sinusitis
(sore throat) inflammation of the pharynx; often a symptom of a cold, flu, or sinus infection
pharyngitis
the sudden spasmodic closure of the larynx
laryngospasm
the loss of the ability to produce normal speech sounds
aphonia
sound or voice
phon
difficulty in speaking, which may include any impairment in vocal quality, including hoarseness, weakness, or the cracking of a boy’s voice during puberty
dysphonia
inflammation of the larynx; causes voice loss
laryngitis
bleeding from the mucous membranes of the trachea
tracheorrhagia
the permanent dilation of the bronchi, caused by chronic infection and inflammation
bronchiectasis
an excessive discharge of mucus from the bronchi; often caused by chronic bronchitis or asthma
bronchorrhea
(pleuritis) an inflammation of the pleura; may result from trauma, tuberculosis, connective tissue disease, or an infection
pleurisy
a sharp pain that occurs when the inflamed membranes rub against each other with each inhalation
pleurodynia
the excess accumulation of fluid in the pleural space; pain when breathing because it prevents the lung from fully expanding
pleural effusion
the escape of fluid from blood or lymphatic vessels into the tissues or into a body cavity
effusion
(empyema of the pleural cavity) the presence of pus in the pleural cavity between the layers of the pleural membrane
pyothorax
refers to a collection of pus in a body cavity
empyema
a collection of blood in the pleural cavity; often results from trauma or can be caused by a disease or surgery
hemothorax
the accumulation of air in the pleural space resulting in a pressure imbalance that causes the lung to fully or partially collapse
pneumothorax
(ARDS) a lung condition caused by trauma, pneumonia, smoke or fumes, inhaled vomit, or sepsis; a life-threatening condition in which inflammation of the lungs and fluid in the alveoli lead to low levels of oxygen in the blood
acute respiratory distress syndrome
a systemic bacterial infection in the bloodstream
sepsis
(collapsed lung) the incomplete expansion of part or all of a lung due to a blockage of the sir passages or pneumothorax
atelectasis
an accumulation of fluid in lung tissues, especially the alveoli; often a symptom of heart failure
pulmonary edema
swelling
edema
the sudden blockage of a pulmonary artery by foreign matter or by an embolus that has formed in the leg or pelvic region
pulmonary embolism
bleeding from the lungs
pneumorrhagia
(TB) an infectious disease caused by Myobacterium tuberculosis, usually attacks the lungs
tuberculosis
present but not active
latent
dangerous form of tuberculosis that can occur when the prescribes drug is not strictly followed, rendering the treatment insufficient to destroy all the bacteria
multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
a serious inflammation of the lungs in which the alveoli and air passages fill with pus and other fluids
pneumonia
a localized form of pneumonia that often affects the bronchioles
bronchopneumonia
affects larger areas of the lungs
lobar pneumonia
lobar pneumonia involving both lungs
double pneumonia
pneumonia that can occur when a foreign substance, such as vomit, is inhaled into the lungs
aspiration pneumonia
pneumonia that is most commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae
bacterial pneumonia
the only form of pneumonia that can be prevented through vaccination
pneumococcal pneumonia
(CAP) any pneumonia that results from contagious infection outside of a hospital or clinic
community-acquired pneumonia
(nosocomial pneumonia) a type of pneumonia contracted during a stay in the hospital when a patient’s defenses are impaires
hospital-acquired pneumonia
(mycoplasma pneumonia) a milder but longer-lasting form of pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae
walking pneumonia
an opportunistic infection caused by the yeast-like fungus Pneumocystis carinii
pneumocystis pneumonia
pneumonia that can be caused by several different types of viruses, accounts for approximately 1/3 of all pneumonias
viral pneumonia
refers to a group of almost 200 disorders that cause inflammation and scarring of the alveoli and their supporting membranes
interstitial lung disease
(interstitial fibrosis) the progressive formation of scar tissue in the lung, resulting in decreased lung capacity and increased difficulty in breathing
pulmonary fibrosis
a condition in which normal tissue is replaced by fibrotic (hardened) tissue
fibrosis
any fibrosis of the lung tissues caused by dust after prolonged environmental occupational contact
pneumoconiosis
caused by asbestos particles in the lungs and usually occurs after working with asbestos
asbestosis
caused by inhaling silica dust on the lungs and usually occurs after working occupations including foundry work, quarrying, ceramics, glasswork, and sandblasting
silicosis
a life-threatening genetic disorder in which the lungs and pancreas are clogged with large quantities of abnormally thick mucus
cystic fibrosis
the leading cause of cancer death in the United States; is a condition in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the lung
lung cancer
abnormal changes in the rate or depth of breathing
breathing disorders
easy or normal breathing
eupnea
the temporary absence of spontaneous respiratation
apnea
an abnormally slow rate of respiration, usually less than 10 breaths per minute
bradypnea
an irregular pattern of breathing characterized by alternating rapid or shallow respiration followed by slower respiration or apnea; usually occurs in comatose patients or those nearing death
Cheyne-Stokes
an abnormally rapid rate of respiration, usually more than 20 breaths per minute
tachypnea
(shortness of breath, SOB) difficult or hard breathing
dyspnea
breathing that is deeper and more rapid than is normal at rest
hyperpnea
shallow or slow respiration
hypopnea
an abnormally rapid rate of deep respiration that is usually associated with anxiety; decreases the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, causing dizziness and tingling in the fingers and toes
hyperventilation
a potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep for periods long enough to cause a measurable decrease in blood oxygen levels
sleep apnea
(OSA) caused by the muscles at the back of the throat relaxing and narrowing the airways
obstructive sleep apnea
noisy breathing caused by vibration of the soft palate; can be a symptom of sleep apnea
snoring
the act of coughing up and spitting out saliva, mucus, or other body fluid
expectoration
the expectoration of blood or blood-stained sputum derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes as a result of a pulmonary or brachial hemorrhage
hemoptysis
(choking) when food or a foreign object partially or completely blocks the airway and prevents air from entering or leaving the lungs
airway obstruction
abdominal thrusts to clear airway obstruction
Heimlich maneuver
the absence of oxygen from the body’s tissues and organs even though there is an adequate flow of blood; if it occurs for more than 4 minutes to 6 minutes, irreversible brain damage can occur
anoxia
condition of having deficient oxygen levels in the body’s tissues or organs; however, it is less severe than anoxia
hypoxia
(altitude sickness) a condition that can be brought on by the decreased oxygen in the air at higher altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet
altitude hypoxia
the loss of consciousness that occurs when the body cannot get the oxygen it needs to function; can be caused by choking, suffocation, drowning, or inhaling gases such as carbon monoxide
asphyxia
a state of asphyxia or suffocation
asphyxiation
a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by a lack of adequate oxygen in the blood
cyanosis
the abnormal buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood
hypercapnia
capn
carbon dioxide
the condition of having low oxygen levels in the blood, usually due to respiratory disorders or ehart conditions
hypoxemia
(RF or respiratory disease) a condition in which the level of oxygen in the blood becomes dangerously low or the level of carbon dioxide becomes dangerously high
respiratory failure
mage to the lungs in which particles of fire coat the alveoli and prevent the normal exchange of gases
smoke inhalation
(SIDS) the sudden and unexplainable death of an apparently healthy and sleeping infant between the ages of 2 months and 6 months
sudden infant death syndrome
a count of the number of breaths per minute
respiratory rate
provide information about the condition of the lungs and pleura; rales, rhonchi, stridor
respiratory sounds
the visual examination of the bronchi using a bronchoscope
bronchoscopy
flexible, fiber-optic device that is passed through he nose or mouth and down the airways
bronchoscope
(chest imaging) a valuable tool for diagnosing pneumonia, lung cancer, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, tuberculosis, and emphysema
chest x-ray
the visual examination of the larynx and vocal cords using a flexible or rigid laryngoscope inserted through the mouth
laryngoscopy
a simpler version of a laryngoscopy in which the larynx is viewed by shining a light on an angles mirror held at the back of the soft palate
indirect laryngoscopy
an inexpensive handheld device used to let patients with asthma measure air flowing out of the lungs, revealing any narrowing of the airways in advance to an asthma attack
peak flow meter
(sleep study) measures physiological activity during sleep and is often performed to detect nocturnal defects in breathing associated with sleep apnea
polysomnography
(PFTs) a group of tests that measure volume and flow of air by using a spirometer
pulmonary function tests
a recording device that measures the amount of air inhaled or exhaled (volume) and the length of time required for each breath
spirometer
used to help patients who have recently had surgery keep their lungs healthy during recovery
incentive spirometer
an external monitor placed on the patient’s fingertip or earlobe to measure the oxygen saturation level in blood
pulse oximeter
procedure in which a sample of mucus is coughed up from the lungs and then examined under a microscope to detect cancer cells
sputumcytology
phlegm ejected through the mouth that can be examined for diagnostic procedures
sputum
thick mucus secreted by the tissues lining the respiratory passages
phlegm
(Mantoux PPD skin test) a screen test for tuberculosis in which a very small amount of PPD tuberculin, a purified protein derivative, is injected just under the top layer of skin on the forearm
tuberculin skin testing
(cough medicine) administered to prevent or relieve coughing
antitussive
cough
tuss
an inhaled medication that relaxes and expands the bronchial passages to the lungs
bronchodilator
(MDI) administers a specific amount of a medication such as a bronchodilator into aerosol for; a gas propellant mixes with the medicine to push it into the lungs
metered-dose dilator
an electronic device that pumps air or oxygen through a liquid medicine to turn it into a mist, which is then inhaled by the patient via a face mask or mouthpiece
nebulizer
long-acting medications taken daily to prevent asthma attacks; help control inflammation and stop the airways from reacting to factors that trigger the asthma
controller medicines
(quick-relief) taken at the first sign of an asthma attack to dilate the airways and make breathing easier
rescue medicines
(ETT) the passage of a tube through the mouth into the trachea to establish or maintain an open airway, especially when a patient is on a ventilator
endotracheal intubation
the insertion of a tube, usually for the passage of air or fluids
intubation
(FESS) a procedure performed using an endoscope in which chronic sinusitis it treated by enlarging the opening between the nose and sinus
functional endoscopic sinus surgery
the surgical removal of the larynx
laryngectomy
a surgical incision into the larynx, performed when the upper part of the airway is obstrcuted
laryngotomy
the surgical repair or alteration of parts of the nasal septum
septoplasty
the surgical creation of a stoma into the trachea to insert a temporary or permanent tube to facilitate breathing
tracheostomy
a surgically created opening on a body surface
stoma
procedure in which an incision is made into the trachea to gain access to the airway below a blockage
tracheotomy
surgical removal of all or part of a lung
pneumonectomy
the surgical removal of a lobe of an organ
lobectomy
a surgery in which a small wedge-shaped piece of cancerous lung tissue is removed, along with a margin of healthy tissue around the cancer
wedge resection
the surgical procedure of the chest wall with a needle to obtain fluid from the pleural cavity; performed to remove liquid or air from the pleural cavity
thoracentesis
a surgical incision into the chest walls to open the pleural cavity for biopsy or treatment; used to gain access to the lungs, heart, esophagus, diaphragm, and other organs
thoracotomy
(VATS) the use of a thoroscope to view the inside of the pleural cavity through very small incisions; used to remove small sections of cancerous tissue and to obtain biopsy specimens to diagnose certain types of pneumonia, infections, tumors of the chest wall, and repeatedly collapsing lungs
video-assisted thoracic surgery
a specialized endoscope used for treating the thorax
thoroscope
aid the digestive system as well as bronchodilators to keep airways open
pancreatic enzymes
a therapeutic technique to remove excess mucus from the lungs
chest percussion
(abdominal breathing) a relaxation technique used to relieve anxiety
diaphragmatic breathing
(continuous positive airway pressure) a noninvasive ventilation device used in the treatment of sleep apnea
CPAP machine
(bilevel positive airway pressure) like a CPCP machine; however, it can be set at a higher pressure for inhaling and a lower pressure for exhaling
BiPAP machine
(bag valve ask, BVM) an emergency resuscitator used to assist ventilation
Ambu bag
a mechanical device for artificial respiration that is used to replace or supplement the patient’s natural breathing function
ventilator
a small tube that divides into two nasal passages
nasal cannula
allows the exhaled breath to be partially reused, delivering up to 60% oxygen
rebreather mask
allows higher levels of oxygen to be added to the air taken in by the patient
non-rebreather mask
(HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a special chamber that allows air pressure to be raised up to three times higher than normal; the lungs and bloodstream are thus able to absorb oxygen, which is delivered throughout the body to promote healing and fight infection
hyperbaric oxygen therapy
