The Respiratory System Flashcards
Primary Function of the nose
exchanges air during inhaling and exhaling; warms, moisturizes and filters inhaled air
primary function of the sinuses
produce mucus for the nasal cavities, make bones of the skill lighter, aid in sound production
primary function of the pharynx
transports air back and forth between the nose and the trachea
primary function of the larynx
makes speech possible
primary function of the trachea
transports air back and forth between the pharynx and the bronchi
alveoli
very small grape-like structures found at the ends of the bronchioles; air sacs that exchange gases with the pulmonary capillary blood
primary functions of the lungs
brings oxygen into the body, and removes carbon dioxide and some water waste from the body
functions of the respiratory system (4)
deliver air to lungs, convey oxygen from the inhaled air to the blood for delivery to the body cells, expel waste products returned to the lungs by the blood through exhalation, produce airflow through the larynx to make speech possible
the respiratory system is divided into:
upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth, epiglottis, larynx and trachea)
lower respiratory tract (bronchial tree and lungs)
airway
describes the upper respiratory tract and the bronchial tree
nasal septum
a wall of cartilage that divides the nose into two equal sections
cilia
the thin hairs located just inside the nostrils, filters incoming air to remove debris
mucous membranes
specialized tissue that lines the nose; also lines the digestive, reproductive, urinary systems and other parts of the respiratory system
mucus
a slippery secretion produced by the mucous membranes that protects and lubricates these tissues
olfactory receptors
nerve endings that act as the receptors for the sense of smell; also important to the sense of taste
paranasal sinuses
air-filled cavities lined with mucous membranes are located in the bones of the skill
primary functions of the sinuses(3)
to make the skull bones lighter, to help produce sound by giving resonance to the voice, to produce mucus to provide lubrication for the tissues and nasal cavity
frontal sinuses
are located in the frontal bone just above the eyebrows
sphenoid sinuses
located in the sphenoid bone behind the eye and under the pituitary gland, close to the optic nerves
maxillary sinuses
the largest of the paranasal sinuses; located in the maxillary bones under the eyes
ethmoid sinuses
located in the ethmoid bones between the nose and the eyes
pharynx
aka throat; receives the air after it passes through the nose or mouth
pharynx is made up of 3 divisions:
nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx
nasopharynx
the first division; posterior to the nasal cavity and continues down behind the mouth; this portion is used only by the respiratory system for the transport of air and opens into the oropharynx
oropharynx
the second division; visible when looking into the mouth; it is shared by the respiratory and digestive systems; transports air, food and fluids downward to the laryngopharynx
laryngopharynx
the third division; also shared by respiratory and digestive system; where continues down the opening of the esophagus into the trachea and food, fluids continue down to the esophagus
larynx
aka voice box; triangular chamber located between the trachea and the pharynx
thyroid cartilage
is the largest, and when enlarged it projects from the front of the throat and is commonly known as an adam’s apple
epiglottis
which is a 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
trachea
aka wind pipe; this tube located directly in front of the esophagus; transports air to and from the lungs
bronchi
two large tubes; which branch out from the trachea and convey air into the two lungs
lungs
the essential organs of respiration; divided into lobes
right lung
larger and has three lobes: the upper, middle and lower
left lung
has only 2 lobes, upper and lower
mediastinum
the middle section of the chest cavity and is located between the lungs
pleura
a thin, moist and slippery membrane that covers the outer surface of the lungs and lines the inner surface of the thoracic cavity
parietal pleura
the outer layer of the pleura; attached to the chest wall, covers the diaphragm and forms the sac containing each lung
visceral pleura
the inner layer of the pleura that covers each lung; attached directly to the lungs
pleural cavity
thin, fluid-filled space between the parietal and visceral pleural membranes
diaphragm
dome-shaped sheet of muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdomen; the contraction and relaxation of this muscle makes breathing possible
phrenic nerves
stimulate the diaphragm and cause it to contract
respiration
the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide that is essential to life.
inhalation
the act of taking in air as the diaphragm contracts and pulls downward
exhalation
is the act of breathing out; as the diaphragm relaxes, it moves upward causing the thoracic to narrow and force air out of the lungs
external respiration
the act of bringing air in and out of the lungs from the outside environment and in the process, exchanging oxygen for carbon dioxide
internal respiration
the exchange of gases within the cells of the blood and tissues
otolaryngologist
aka ENT, a physician with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the head and neck
pulmonologist
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases who specializes in diagnoses and disorders of the respiratory system
thoracic surgeon
performs operations on the organs inside the thorax, or chest, including the heart, lungs and esophagus
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
a group of lung diseases in which the bronchial airflow is obstructed, making it difficult to breath out
chronic bronchitis
a disease in which the airways have become inflamed due to recurrent exposure to an inhaled irritant, usually cigarette smoke
emphysema
the progressive, long term loss of lung function, usually due to smoking; characterized by a decrease in the total number of alveoli
asthma
a chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes, often triggered by an allergic reaction
airway inflammation
the swelling and clogging of the bronchial tubes with mucus
bronchospasm
a contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles, tightening and squeezing the airway shut
upper respiratory infections
used to describe the common cold; can be caused by any one of 200 different viruses
allergic rhinitis
commonly referred to as an allergy; is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens that causes an increased flow of mucus
croup
an acute respiratory infection in children and infants characterized by obstruction of the larynx, hoarseness and swelling around the vocal cords
diphtheria
an acute bacterial infection of the throat and upper respiratory tract; diphtheria bacteria produce toxins that can damage heat muscle and peripheral nerves
epistaxis
aka nosebleed; bleeding from the nose that may be caused by dry air, injury, medication to prevent blood clotting or high blood pressure
influenza
aka flu, an acute, highly contagious viral infection characterized by respiratory inflammation, fever, chills and muscle pain.
pertussis
aka whooping cough; a contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract that is characterized by recurrent bouts of a paroxysmal cough
rhinorrhea
aka runny nose; the watery flow of mucus from the nose
sinusitis
an inflammation of the sinuses
pharyngitis
aka sore throat; an inflammation of the pharynx
laryngospasm
the sudden spasmodic, closure of the larynx
aphonia
the loss of the ability of the larynx to produce normal speech sounds
dysphonia
difficulty in speaking which may include any impairment in vocal quality
laryngitis
an inflammation of the larynx; commonly used to describe voice loss that is caused by this inflammation
tracheorrhagia
bleeding from the mucous membranes of the trachea
bronchiectasis
the permanent dilation of the bronchi caused by chronic infection and inflammation
bronchorrhea
an excessive discharge of mucus from the bronchi
pleurisy
an inflammation of the pleura, the membranes that cover the lungs and line the pleural cavity
pleurodynia
a sharp pain that occurs when the inflamed membranes rub against each other with each inhalation
pleural effusion
the excess accumulation of fluid in the pleural space; produces a feeling of breathlessness because it prevents the lung from fully expanding
pyothorax
the presence of pus in the pleural cavity between the layers of the pleural membrane
empyema
a collection of pus in a body cavity
hemothorax
a collection of blood in the pleural cavity
pneumothorax
the accumulation of air in the pleural space resulting in a pressure imbalance that causes the lung to partially or fully collapse
acute respiratory distress syndrome
a life-threatening condition in which inflammation in the lings and fluid in the alveoli lead to low levels of oxygen in the blood
atelectasis
or collapsed lung, is the incomplete expansion of part or all of a lung due to a blockage of the air passages or pneumothorax
pulmonary edema
an accumulation of fluid in lund tissues, especially in alveoli
pulmonary embolism
the sudden blockage of a pulmonary artery by foreign matter or by an embolus that has formed in the leg or pelvic region
pneumorrhagia
bleeding from the lungs
tuberculosis
an infectious disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis. usually attacks the lungs; but can also affect other parts of the body
pneumonia
a serious inflammation of the lungs in which the alveoli and air passages fill with pus and other fluids
two types of bacterial pneumonia
bronchopneumonia and lobar pneumonia
bronchopneumonia
a localized form of pneumonia that often affects the bronchioles
lobar pneumonia
affects larger areas of the lungs, often including one or more sections or lobes of a lung
aspiration pneumonia
when a foreign substance, such as vomit, is inhaled into the lungs
bacterial pneumonia
commonly caused by streptococcus pneumoniae, the only form of pneumonia that can be prevented through vaccination
community-acquired pneumonia
any pneumonia that results from contagious infection outside of a hospital
walking pneumonia
a milder but longer-lasting form of the disease caused by the bacteria mycoplasma pneumoniae.
pneumocystis pneumonia
an opportunistic infection caused by a yeast like fungus
viral pneumonia
can be caused by several different types of viruses, accounts for approximately a third of all pneumonias
interstitial lung disease
refers to a group of almost 200 disorders that cause inflammation and scarring of the alveoli and their supporting structures.
pulmonary fibrosis
the progressive formation of scar tissue in the lung, resulting in decreased lung capacity and increased difficulty in breathing
pneuoconiosis
any fibrosis of the lung tissues caused by dust in the lungsafter prolonged environmental or occupational contact
asbestosis
caused by asbestos particles in the lungs and usually occurs after working with asbestos
silicosis
caused by inhaling silica dust in the lungs and usually occurs after working in occupations including foundry work, quarrying, ceramics, glasswork and sandblasting
cystic fibrosis
life-threatening genetic disorder in which the lungs and pancreas are clogged with large quantities of abnormally thick mucus.
lung cancer
a condition in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the lung
eupnea
the baseline for judging some breathing disorders
apnea
the temporary absence of spontaneous respiration
bradypnea
an abnormally slow rate of respiration, usually of less than 10 breaths per minute
cheyne-stokes respiration
an irregular pattern of breathing characterized by alternating rapid or shallow respiration followed by slower respiration or apnea
tachypnea
an abnormally rapid rate of respiration, usually of more than 20 breathes per minute
dyspnea
difficult or labored breathing
hyperpnea
breathing that is deeper and more rapid than is normal at rest
hypopnea
shallow or slow respiration
hyperventilation
an abnormally rapid rate of deep respiration that is usually associated with anxiety
sleep apnea
a potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep
expectoration
the act of coughing up and spitting out saliva, mucus or other body fluid
hemptysis
the expectoration of blood or blood-stained sputum derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes as the result of a pulmonary or bronchial hemorrhage
airway obstruction
aka choking; occurs when food or a foreign object blocks the airway and prevents air from entering or leaving the lungs
anoxia
the absence of oxygen from the body’s tissues and organs even though there is an adequate flow of blood
hypoxia
the condition of having deficient oxygen levels in the body’s tissues and organs
asphyxia
the loss of consciousness that occurs when the body cannot get the oxygen it needs to function
cyanosis
a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by a lack of adequate oxygen in the blood
hypercapnia
the abnormal buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood
hypoxemia
the condition of having low oxygen levels in the blood
respiratory failure
a condition in which the level of oxygen in the blood become dangerously low or the level of carbon dioxide becomes dangerously high
smoke inhalation
damage to the lungs in which particles from a fire coat the alveoli and prevent the normal exchange of gases
sudden infant death syndrome
the sudden and inexplainable death of an apparently healthy sleeping infant between the ages of 2 months and 6 months
bronchoscopy
the visual examination of the bronchi using a bronchoscope
chest x-ray
a valuable tool for diagnosing pneumonia, lung cancer, pneumothorax and etc
laryngoscopy
the visual examination of the larynx and the vocal cords using a flexible or rigid laryngoscope inserted through the mouth
peak flow meter
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 of an asthma attack
polysomnography
measures physiological activity during sleep
pulmonary function tests
group of tests that measure volume and flow of air by using a spirometer
spirometer
a recording device that measures the amount of air inhaled or exhaled volume and the length of time required for each breath
pulse oximeter
an external monitor placed on the patient’s fingertip or earlobe to measure the oxygen saturation in the blood
sputum
phlegm ejected through the mouth that can be examined for diagnostic purposes
phlegm
thick mucus secreted by the tissues lining in the respiratory passages
tuberculin skin testing
a screening test for tuberculosis in which a very small amount of PPD tuberculin is injected under the top layer of the skin on the forearm; the site is checked for a reaction 48 to 72 hours later
antitussive
medicine administered to prevent or relieve coughing
bronchilodilator
an inhaled medication that relaxes and expands the bronchial passages into the lungs
metered-dose inhaler
administers a specific amount of a medication such as a bronchodilator in aerosol form
nebulizer
an electronic device that pumps or oxygen through a liquid medicine to turn it into a mist, which is inhaled by the patient via mouthpiece
endotracheal intubation
the passage of a tube trough the mouth into the trachea to establish or maintain an open airway
functional endoscopic sinus surgery
a procedure performed using an endoscope in which chronic sinusitis is treated by enlarging the opening between the nose and sinus
laryngectomy
the surgical removal of the larynx
septoplasty
the surgical repair or alteration of parts of the nasal septum
tracheostomy
the surgical creation of a stoma into the trachea to insert a temporary or permanent tube to facilitate breathing
tracheotomy
a procedure in which an incision is made into the trachea to gain access to the airway below the blockage
pneumonectomy
the surgical removal of all or part of a lung
wedge resection
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
thoracentesis
the surgical puncture of the chest wall with a needle to obtain fluid from the pleural cavity
thoracotomy
a surgical incision into the chest walls to open the pleural cavity for biopsy or treatment
video-assisted thoracic-surgery
the use of a thoracoscope to view inside the pleural cavity trough very small incisions
CPAP machine
continuous positive airway pressure is a non invasive ventilation device used in the treatment of sleep apnea
BiPAP machine
bilevel positive airway pressure, similar to a CPAP machine but can be set at a higher pressure for inhaling and a lower pressure for exhaling
ventilator
a mechanical device for artificial respiration that is used to replace or supplement the patient’s natural breathing function
supplemental oxygen
administered when the patient is unable to maintain an adequate oxygen saturation level in the blood from breathing normal air
hyperbaric oxygen therapy
involves breathing pure oxygen in a special chamber that allows air pressure to be raised up to three times higher than normal
