The Respiratory System Chapter 7 Flashcards

Respiratory System Vocabulary

• -ectasis: Refers to enlargement, often used in terms related to dilated respiratory structures.
• laryng/o: Denotes the larynx or voice box, a vital component in producing sound.
• bronch/o: Relates to the bronchial tubes or windpipe, essential for air passage.
• cyan/o: Indicates a blue color, often associated with lack of oxygen.
• atel/o: Means incomplete, commonly used in medical terms regarding lung function.
• pneum/o: Refers specifically to the lungs, vital organs in respiration.
• ox/o: Pertains to oxygen, which is crucial for cellular respiration.
• pleur/o: Relates to the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs.
• pharyng/o: Indicates the pharynx, which is key in both respiratory and digestive systems.
• phon/o: Refers to voice, significant for communication.
• trache/o: Another term for the windpipe, a major airway to the lungs.
• tachy: Means rapid, often used in terms of heart rate or breathing.
• pulmon: A prefix denoting lung-related conditions or anatomy.
• thorax: Refers to the chest area, housing vital organs.

Anatomy and Functions

• Mediastinum: This central compartment of the thoracic cavity contains the heart, aorta, esophagus, and trachea.
• Epiglottis: Acts as a lid over the entrance to the esophagus, preventing food from entering the windpipe.
• Visceral pleura: The innermost layer of pleura that directly covers the lungs.
• Frontal sinuses: Located just above the eyes, part of the sinus system.
• Bronchioles: The smallest divisions of the bronchial tree, crucial for air distribution in the lungs.
• Alveoli: The site of gas exchange where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the bloodstream.

Clinical Terms and Conditions

• Hemoptysis: The medical term for spitting blood or blood-stained sputum.
• Silicosis: Often referred to as Grinder's disease, a lung condition caused by inhaling silica dust.
• Tachypnea: Describes an abnormally rapid rate of respiration.
• Dysphonia: Refers to any voice impairment, affecting speech.
• Byssinosis: A lung disease caused by exposure to cotton, flax, or hemp dust.
• Bacterial pneumonia: A form of pneumonia preventable by vaccination.

Respiratory Disorders

• Dyspnea: Commonly known as shortness of breath, a symptom of several respiratory issues.
• Tracheotomy: An emergency procedure performed to create an airway in blocked situations.
• Phlegm: Thick mucus produced by respiratory tissues, important in respiratory health.
• Empyema: Refers to an accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity, indicating infection.
• Tuberculosis (TB): A serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs.
• Nasopharyngitis: Another term for the common cold, affecting the upper respiratory tract.

Additional Terminology

• URI: Abbreviation for upper respiratory infection, a frequent ailment.
• SIDS: Sudden infant death syndrome, a critical concern in pediatric health.
• COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a progressive lung disease affecting airflow.
• ARDS: Acute respiratory distress syndrome, a severe condition requiring intensive medical care.

Respiratory Functions and Procedures

• Aspiration: The act of drawing a foreign substance into the upper respiratory tract.
• Hyperventilation: Abnormally rapid deep breathing, often due to stress or anxiety.
• Tracheoplasty: Surgical repair of the trachea, performed for structural issues.
• Exhalation: The phase of respiration where the diaphragm relaxes and air is expelled.
• Asthma attack: Characterized by airway contraction, leading to breathing difficulties.
• Apnea: Absence of spontaneous respiration, can be a serious medical condition.
• Laryngospasm: Sudden spasmodic closure of the larynx, often causing breathing interruptions.
• Effusion: The escape of fluid into a body cavity, may require medical evaluation.
• Pleuralgia: Pain in the pleura or side, indicating possible underlying issues.
• Pneumorrhagia: Bleeding from the lungs, a serious medical emergency.