Unit 7 Respiratory System Key Terms

Question 1

pharynx

Answer 1

throat; transports air to and from the nose to the trachea

Question 2

larynx

Answer 2

voice box; makes speech possible

Question 3

trachea

Answer 3

windpipe; transports air to and from the pharynx to the bronchi

Question 4

bronchial tube/bronchus

Answer 4

branches from the trachea to the lungs

Question 5

pleura

Answer 5

multilayered membrane that surrounds each lung with its blood vessels and nerves

Question 6

alveoli

Answer 6

very small grape like air sacs found at the end of the bronchiole that exchange gases with the pulmonary capillary blood

Question 7

diaphragm

Answer 7

dome shaped sheet of muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdomen that makes breathing possible

Question 8

inhalation

Answer 8

taking in air as the diaphragm contracts and pulls downward

Question 9

exhalation

Answer 9

as the diaphragm relaxes, it moves upward, causing the thoracic cavity to narrow and air is breathed out

Question 10

respiration

Answer 10

the act of breathing - taking air into the lungs and letting air out of the lungs

Question 11

tonsils

Answer 11

forma protective circle around the entrance of the respiratory system and protects the body from infection

Question 12

asthma

Answer 12

chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes, often triggered by an allergic reaction

Question 13

brochospasm

Answer 13

contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and the bronchioles, tightening the airway shut

Question 14

influenza

Answer 14

acute, highly contagious viral respiratory infection, spread by droplets. “flu”

Question 15

pneumonia

Answer 15

inflammation of the lungs where the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid

Question 16

main causes of pneumonia

Answer 16

bacteria, fungi, viruses, or inhaled substances such as chemical irritants or vomit

Question 17

pneumonoconiosis

Answer 17

abnormal condition caused by dust in the lungs that usually develops after years of environmental or occupational contact. This causes cell death and hardening of the lung tissues

Question 18

epistaxis

Answer 18

“nosebleed”, bleeding from the nose that may be caused by dry air, injury, medication to prevent blood clotting, or high blood pressure

Question 19

pertussis

Answer 19

“whooping cough” contagious bacterial infection that is characterized by a continuous cough and breathlessness

Question 20

apnea

Answer 20

temporary absence of spontaneous respiration