Medical Terminology Chapter 7: Respiratory System

Pulmonary Circulation

• Pulmonary Artery: Major vessel transporting deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation.

Breathing Mechanics

• Inhalation: Process of drawing air into the lungs, also known as inspiration.
• Exhalation: Act of releasing air from the lungs, referred to as expiration.
• Ventilation: General movement of air into and out of the lungs.

Gas Exchange

• External Respiration: Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs; crucial for the perfusion process.
• Internal Respiration: Oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange at the cellular level, where blood delivers oxygen to tissues.

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide

• Oxygen (O2): Essential for cellular energy production, absorbed by blood in lung air sacs.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Waste product of metabolism, removed from cells by the blood and expelled by the lungs.

Vital Signs

• Respiratory Rate: Measurement of breaths per minute, indicative of respiratory function.
• Newborn Respiratory Rate: 30-60 breaths/min.
• 1-Year-Old Rate: 18-30 breaths/min.
• 16-Year-Old Rate: 16-20 breaths/min.
• Adult Rate: 12-20 breaths/min.

Respiratory Conditions

• Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often occurring after viral infections.
• Asthma: Condition leading to bronchial constriction and breathing difficulties, often triggered by allergens, treated with inhalers.
• Emphysema: Lung disease characterized by alveolar wall destruction, often linked to smoking.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Progressive condition limiting airflow, often resulting from asthma or emphysema.
• Pneumonia: Lung inflammation due to infection, causing fluid in alveoli and symptoms of hypoxia.

Diagnostic and Treatment Tools

• Bronchoscope: Tool used to visualize the bronchial tubes.
• Oximeter: Device measuring blood oxygen levels; normal values are around 100%.
• Ventilator: Equipment providing mechanical breathing support for patients unable to breathe adequately.

Abnormal Breathing Patterns

• Apnea: Temporary cessation of breathing.
• Tachypnea: Rapid breathing rate.
• Bradypnea: Slow breathing.
• Dyspnea: Difficult or labored breathing.
• Orthopnea: Discomfort in breathing while lying flat, requiring the patient to sit upright.

Physical Symptoms

• Cyanosis: Bluish skin color from oxygen deficiency and carbon dioxide excess.
• Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood.

Surgical and Emergency Procedures

• Pleurocentesis: Procedure to remove fluid from the pleural cavity for diagnostic purposes.
• Tracheostomy: Surgical creation of an opening in the trachea to facilitate breathing, particularly in emergencies.

Anatomical Structures

• Nasal Septum: Structure dividing the nasal cavity.
• Nares: External openings (nostrils) of the nasal cavity.
• Cilia: Hair-like structures in the nasal cavity and airways aiding in trapping pathogens.

Medications

• Antihistamines: Block histamine effects to alleviate allergic reactions.
• Bronchodilators: Medications relaxing bronchial muscles, commonly used for asthma management.
• Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation within the respiratory tract.

Pathology and Conditions

• Pneumothorax: Presence of air in the pleural space causing lung collapse.
• Aspiration: Inhalation of food or foreign objects into the airways, or withdrawing fluid from a cavity for diagnosis.
• Croup: Pediatric respiratory condition presenting with barky cough and stridor.

Important Respiratory Terms

• Rales: Abnormal, crackling lung sounds indicating moisture in the airways.
• Rhonchi: Musical sounds during breathing, associated with bronchial spasms.
• Stridor: High-pitched sound indicating airway obstruction, often seen in croup cases.

Test your knowledge of key terms related to the respiratory system in Medical Terminology Chapter 7. This quiz covers important vocabulary such as pulmonary artery, inhalation, and exhalation. Perfect for students studying health sciences or preparing for exams.