RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
respiratory tract; also the material thus
1. Normal Structure and Function
TERMS MEANING
Adenoids Lymphoid tissue located in the nasopharynx
the pharyngeal tonsils
Alveoli The tiny air sacs in the lungs through which
gases are exchanged between the atmosphere
and the blond in respiration (singular:
alveolus) An alveolus, in general, is a small
hollow or cavity the term also applies to the
bony socket for a tooth
Bronchiole One of the smaller subdivisions of the
bronchial tubes (root: bronchiol)
Bronchus One of the larger air passageways in the
lungs. The bronchi begin as two branches of
the trachea and then subdivide within the
lungs (plural: bronchi) (root bronch)
Carbon dioxide A gas produced by energy metabolism in
cells and eliminated through the lungs
Carbonic acid An acid formed when carbon dioxide
dissolves in water
Compliance A measure of how easily the lungs expand
under pressure. Compliance is reduced in
many types of respiratory disorders
Diaphragm The dome-shaped muscle under the lungs
that flattens during inspiration (root phren/o)
Epiglottis A leaf-shaped cartilage that covers the
larynx during swallowing to prevent food
from entering the trachea
Expectorant The act of coughing up material from the
released
Expiration The act of breathing out or expelling air
from the lungs exhalation
Glottis The opening between the vocal cords
Hemoglobin The iron-containing pigment in red blood
cells that transports oxygen
Inspiration The act of drawing air into the lungs;
inhalation
Larynx The enlarged, superior portion of the trachea
that contains the vocal cords (root: laryng/o)
Lungs Cone-shaped, spongy respiratory organ
contained within the thorax (roots: pneum,
pulm)
Mediastinum The space between the lungs together with
the organs contained in this space
Nose The organ of the face used for breathing and
for housing receptors for the sense of smell;
includes an external portion and an internal
nasal cavity (roots: nas/o, rhin/o
Oxygen The gas needed by cells to release energy
from food during metabolism
Palatine tonsils The paired masses of lymphoid tissue
located on either side of the oropharynx;
usually meant when the term tonsils is used
alone
Pharynx The throat; a common passageway for food
entering the esophagus and air entering the
larynx (root: paring/o)
Phrenic nerve The nerve that activates the diaphragm (root:
phrenic/o)
Pleura A double-layered membrane that lines the
thoracic cavity (parietal pleura) and covers
the lungs (visceral pleura) (root pleur/o)
Pleural space The thin, fluid-filled space between the two
layers of the pleura; pleural cavity
Pulmonary The movement of air into and out of the
ventilation lungs
vessels and nerves enter
Nares The external openings of the nose; the
nostrils (singular: naris)
Nasal septum The partition that divides the nasal cavity
into two parts (root sept/o means "septum")
2. Gas Exchange

Sinus A cavity or channel; the paranasal sinuses

are located near the nose and drain into the
nasal
Sputum The substance released by coughing or
clearing the throat; expectoration. It may
contain a variety of material from the
respiratory trace
Surfactant A substance that decreases surface tension
within the alveoli and cases lung expansion
Trachea The air passageway that extends from the
larynx to the bronchi (root trache/o)
Turbinate bones The bony projections in the nasal cavity that
contain receptors for the sense of smell. Also
called conchae, singular: concha
Vocal cords Membranous folds on either side of the
larynx that are important in speech
production. Also called vocal folds
Carina A projection of the lowest tracheal cartilage
that forms a ridge between the two bronchi.
Used as a landmark for endoscopy. Any
ridge or ridge-like structure (from a Latin 3. Roots and Suffixes
word that means "keel")
Hilium An anatomic depression in an organ where Suffixes for Respiration
 SUFFIX MEANING EXAMPLE DEFINITION OF bronchiole bronchiole bronchiolestasis Dilation of the
EXAMPLE bronchioles
-pnea breathing orthopnea Breathing difficulty
that is relieved by
assuming an upright Roots for the Lungs and Breathing
(ortho-) position
-oxia Level of hypoxia Decreased amount of ROOT MEANING EXAMPLE DEFINITION OF
oxygen oxygen EXAMPLE
-capnia Level of hypercapnia Increased carbon Phren/o Diaphragm Phrenic Pertaining to the
carbon dioxide in the tissue phrenic
dioxide
Phrenic/o Phrenic phrenicectomy Partial excision of
-phonia voice dysphonia Difficulty in nerve the phrenic nerve
speaking
Pler/o plera pleurodesis Fusion of the
pleura
Pulm/o, lung extrapulmonary Outside the lungs
Roots for the Respiratory Passageway pulmon/o
Pneumon/o lung pneumonitis Inflammation of
ROOT MEANING EXAMPLE DEFINITION OF the lungs;
EXAMPLE pneumonia
Nas/o nose intranasal Within the nose Pneum/o Air, gas; pneumothorax Presence of air in
Rhin/o nose rhinoplasty Plastic repair of also the thorax
the nose respiration,
Pharyng/o pharynx pharyngeal Pertaining to the lung
pharynx Spir/o breathing spirometer Instrument for
Laryng/o larynx laryngospasm Spasm (sudden measuring
contraction) of the breathing volumes
larynx 4. Disorders/Clinical Aspects
Trache/o trachea tracheotome Instrument used to
incise trachea
Bronch/o, bronchus bronchogenic Originating in the Terms Meaning
bronch/i bronchus
Acidosis Abnormal acidity of body fluids.
 Respiratory acidosis is caused by
abnormally high carbon dioxide levels
Acute respiratory Pulmonary edema that can lead rapidly to
distress syndrome fatal respiratory failure; causes include
(ARDS) trauma, aspiration into the lungs, viral
pneumonia, and drug reactions; shock
lung
Acute rhinitis Inflammation of the nasal mucosa with
sneezing, tearing, and profuse secretion of
watery mucus, as seen in the common cold
Alkalosis Abnormal alkalinity of body fluids.
Respiratory alkalosis is caused by
abnormally low carbon dioxide levels
Aspiration The accidental inhalation of food or other
foreign material into the lungs. Also
means the withdrawal of fluid from a
cavity by suction
Asthma A disease characterized by dyspnea and
wheezing caused by spasm of the
bronchial tubes or swelling their mucous
membranes
Atelectasis Incomplete expansion of a lung or part of
a lung; lung collapse. May be present at
birth (as in respiratory distress syndrome)
or be caused by bronchial obstruction or
compression of lung tissue (prefix atel/o
means "imperfect")
Bronchiectasis Chronic dilatation of a bronchus or
bronchi
Bronchitis Inflammation of a bronchus
Chronic obstructive Any of a group of chronic, progressive,
pulmonary disease and debilitating respiratory diseases,
(COPD) which includes emphysema, asthma,
bronchitis, and bronchiectasis
Cyanosis Bluish discoloration of the skin caused by
lack of oxygen in the blood (adjective:
cyanotic)
Cystic fibrosis An inherited disease that affects the
(CF) pancreas, respiratory system, and sweat
glands. Characterized by mucus
accumulation in the bronchi causing
obstruction and leading to infection
Diphtheria Acute infectious disease, usually limited
to the upper respiratory tract,
characterized by the formation of a surface
pseudomembrane. composed of cells and
coagulated material
Dyspnea Difficult or labored breathing, sometimes
with pain; "air hunger
Emphysema A chronic pulmonary disease
characterized by enlargement and
destruction of the alveoli
Empyema Accumulation of pus in a body cavity,
especially the pleural space; pyothorax
Hemoptysis The spitting of blood from the mouth or
respiratory tract (ptysis means spitting
Hemothorax Presence of blood in the pleural space
Hydrothorax Presence of fluid in the pleural space
Hyperventilation Increased rate and depth of breathing;
increase in the amount of air entering the
alveoli
Hypoventilation Decreased rate and depth of breathing;
decrease in the amount of air entering the
alveoli
Influenza An acute, contagious respiratory infection
causing fever, chills, headache, and
muscle pain; "flu
Pertussis An acute, infectious disease characterized
by a cough ending in a whooping
inspiration; whooping cough
Pleural effusion Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space.
The fluid may contain blood (hemothorax)
or pus (pyothorax or empyema)
Pleurisy Inflammation of the pleura; pleuritis. A
symptom of pleurisy is sharp pain on
breathing
Pneumoconiosis Disease of the respiratory tract caused by
inhalation of dust particles. Named more
specifically by the type of dust inhaled,
such as silicosis, anthracosis, asbestosis
Pneumonia Inflammation of the lungs generally
caused by infection. May involve the
bronchioles and alveoli
(bronchopneumonia) or one or more lobes
of the lung (lobar pneumonia)
Pneumonitis Inflammation of the lungs; may be caused
by infection, asthma, allergy, or inhalation
of irritants
Pneumothorax Accumulation of air or gas in the pleural
space. May result from injury or disease or
may be produced artificially to collapse a
lung
Pyothorax Accumulation of pus in pleural space;
empyema
Respiratory distress A respiratory disorder that affects
syndrome (RDS) premature infants born without enough
surfactant in the lungs. It is treated with
respiratory support and surfactant
administration
Sudden infant The sudden and unexplained death of an
death syndrome apparently healthy infant; crib death
(SIDS)
Tuberculosis An infectious disease caused by the
tubercle bacillus, Mycobacterium
tuberculosis Often involves the lungs but
may involve other parts of the body as
well, Miliary tuberculosis is an acute
generalized form of the disease with
formation of minute tubercles that
resemble millet seeds
Byssinosis Obstructive airway disease caused by
reaction to the dust in unprocessed plant
fibers
Sleep apnea Intermittent periods of breathing cessation
during sleep. Central sleep apnea arises
from failure of the brainstem to stimulate
breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea results
from airway obstruction during deep
sleep, as from obesity or enlarged tonsils
Small cell A highly malignant type of bronchial
carcinoma tumor involving small, undifferentiated
cells: "oat cell" carcinoma
5. Symptom and Conditions
TERMS MEANING
Anoxia Lack or absence of oxygen in the tissues;
 often used incorrectly to mean hypoxia
Asphyxia Condition caused by inadequate intake of
oxygen; suffocation (literally "lack of
pulse")
Biot respiration Deep, fast breathing interrupted by sudden
pauses; seen in spinal meningitis and other
central nervous system disorders
Bronchospasm Narrowing of the bronchi caused by
smooth muscle spasms; common in cases
of asthma and bronchitis
Cheyne-Stoke A repeating cycle of gradually increased
respiration and then decreased respiration followed by
a period of apnea; caused by depression of
the breathing centers in the brainstem;
seen cases of coma and in terminally ill
patients
Cor pulmunate Enlargement of the heart's right ventricle
caused by disease of the lungs or
pulmonary blood vessels
Coryza Acute inflammation of the nasal passages
with profuse nasal discharge; acute rhinitis
Croup A childhood disease usually caused by a
viral infection that involves upper airway
inflammation and obstruction. Croup is
characterized by a barking cough,
difficulty breathing, and laryngeal spasm
Deviated septum A shifted nasal septum; may require
surgical correction
Epiglottitis Inflammation of the epiglottis that may
lead to upper airway obstruction.
Commonly seen in croup (also spelled
epiglottiditis)
Epistaxis Hemorrhage from the nose; nosebleed
(Greek -staxis means "dripping"
Fremitus A vibration, especially as felt through the
chest wall on palpation
Kussmaul Rapid and deep gasping respiration
respiration without pause; characteristic of severe
acidosis
Pleural friction rub A sound heard on auscultation that is
produced by the rubbing together of the
two pleural layers; a common sign of
pleurisy
Rales Abnormal chest sounds heard when air
enters small airways or alveoli containing
fluid usually heard during inspiration;
singular: rale (rahl). Also called crackles
Rhonchi Abnormal chest sounds produced in
airways with accumulated fluids; more
noticeable during expiration (singular:
rhonchus)
Stridor A harsh, high-pitched sound caused by
obstruction of an upper air passageway
Tussis A cough. An antitussive drug is one that
relieves or prevents coughing
Wheeze A whistling or sighing sound caused by
narrowing of a respiratory passageway
6. Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Terms Meanings
Arterial blood gasses The concentrations of gases, specifically
(ABGs) oxygen and carbon dioxide, in arterial
blood. Reported as the partial pressure
(P) of the gas in arterial (a) blood, such
as PaO2, or PACO2, These
measurements are important in
measuring acid-base balance
Bronchoscope An endoscope used to examine the
tracheobronchial passageways. Also
allows access for tissue biopsy or
removal of a foreign object
Lung scan Study based on the accumulation of
radioactive isotopes in lung tissue. A
ventilation scan measures ventilation
after inhalation of radioactive material.
A perfusion Scan measures blood supply
to the lungs after injection of radioactive
material. Also called a pulmonary
scintiscan
Pulse oximetry Determination of the oxygen saturation
of arterial blood by means of a
photoelectric apparatus (oximeter),
usually placed on the finger or the ear
reported as SpO2, in percent
Pulmonary function Tests done to assess breathing, usually
test by spirometry
Spirometer An apparatus used to measure breathing
volumes and capacities; record of test is
a spirogram
Thoracentesis Surgical puncture of the chest for
removal of air or fluids, such as may
accumulate after surgery or as a result of
injury, infection, or cardiovascular
problems. Also called thoracocentesis
Tuberculin test A skin test for tuberculosis. Tuberculin
(PPD), the test material made from
products of the tuberculosis organism, is
injected below the skin. A hard, raised
lump appearing within 48 to 72 hours
indicates an active or inactive TB
infection. Also called the Mantoux test
Mediastinoscopy Examination of the mediastinum by
means of an endoscope inserted through
an incision above the sternum
Plethysmograpgh An instrument that measures changes in
gas volume and pressure during
respiration
Pneumotachometer A device for measuring air flow
Thoracoscopy Examination of the pleural cavity
through an endoscope; pleuroscopy
Treatment
TERMS MEANING
Aerosol therapy Treatment by inhalation of a drug or water
in spray form
Continuous Use of a mechanical respirator to maintain
positive airway pressure throughout the respiratory cycle in
pressure (CPAP) a patient who is breathing spontaneously
Extubation Removal of a previously inserted tube
Intermittent Use of a ventilator to inflate the lungs at TERMS MEANING
positive pressure intervals under positive pressure during Adenoidectomy Surgical removal of the adenoids
breathing (IPPB) inhalation Intubation Insertion of a tube into a hollow organ,
such as into the larynx or trachea for
entrance of air Patients may be intubated
Intermittent Use of a mechanical ventilator to force air during surgery for administration of
positive pressure into the lungs while allowing for passive anesthesia or to maintain an airway.
ventilation exhalation Endotracheal intubation may be used as
(IPPV) an emergency measure when airways are
blocked
Nasal cannula A two-pronged plastic device inserted into Lobectomy Surgical removal of a lobe of the lung or
the nostrils for delivery of oxygen of another organ
Orthopneic An upright or semiupright position that aids Pneumoplasty Plastic surgery of the lung. In reduction
position breathing pneumoplasty, nonfunctional portions of
Positive end- Use of a mechanical ventilator to increase the lung are removed, as in cases of
expiratory the volume of gas in the lungs at the end of advanced emphysema
pressure (PEEP) exhalation, thus improving gas exchange Tracheotomy Incision of the trachea through the neck,
Postural drainage Use of body position to drain secretions usually to establish an airway in cases of
from the lungs by gravity. The patient is tracheal obstruction
placed so that secretions will move Tracheostomy Surgical creation of an opening into the
passively into the larger airways for trachea to form an airway or to prepare
elimination for the insertion of a tube for ventilation;
Thoracic gas The volume of gas in the thoracic cavity also the opening thus created
volume calculated from measurements made with a
body plethysmograph
Drugs
7. Surgery and Drugs
TERMS MEANING
Antihistamine Agent that prevents responses mediated by
Surgery
histamine, such as allergic and
inflammatory reactions
Antitussive Drug that prevents or relieves coughing
Asthma Agent used to prevent asthma attacks and
maintenance drug for chronic treatment of asthma
Bronchodilator Drug that relieves bronchial spasm and
widens the bronchi
Corticosteroid Hormone from the adrenal cortex; used to
reduce inflammation
Decongestant Agent that reduces congestion or swelling
Expectorant Agent that aids in removal of
bronchopulmonary secretions
Isoniazid (INH) Drug used to treat tuberculosis
Leukotriene Drug that prevents or reduces
antagonist inflammation by inhibiting leukotrienes,
substances made in white blood cells that
promote inflammation; they also constrict
the bronchi and increase mucus
production; used in asthma treatment
Mucolytic Agent that loosens mucus to aid in its
removal
Rifampin Drug used to treat tuberculosis
(rifampicin)