Term | Definition |
adenoids | collection of lymphatic tissue within the nasopharynx (pharyngeal tonsils). |
alveoli | Tiny air sacs within the lungs; resembling small balloons. (alveolus - singular) |
anoxia | absence of oxygen in the tissues. |
auscultation | the process of listening to body sounds, especially in the chest, with the use of a stethoscope. |
bronchi | the two branches off the trachea which lead to the right and left lungs. (bronchus - singular) |
bronchiectasis | chronic dilation of a bronchus or bronchi. |
bronchioles | smaller branches of the bronchi. |
cystic fibrosis | a hereditary disease of the exocrine glands affecting the respiratory system, pancreas, and sweat glands. |
diaphragm | a large muscle located between the chest and the abdominal wall. |
dysphonia | difficulty in speaking; hoarseness. |
dyspnea | difficulty in breathing. |
eupnea | good (normal) breathing. |
hemoptysis | condition of spitting up blood. |
hemothorax | blood in the chest cavity. |
histamines | blood substances that dilate blood vessels, causing swelling and inflammtion in nasal passages. |
hypercapnia | condition of an increased amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. |
hyperpnea | increased breathing, deeper than normal. |
larynx | voice box, responsible for sound production. |
lobular | pertaining to a lobe. |
mediastinum | the space between the right and left lung, which contains the heart, aorta, esophagus, and the brochi. |
nares | nostrils (naris-singular). |
nasopharynx | the portion of the pharynx above the soft palate and behind the nose. |
orthopnea | respiratory condition of discomfort breathing in any butan erect or standing position. |
palatine tonsils | collection of lymphatic tissue within the oropharynx. |
parietal pleura | the outermost layer, lining the thoracic cavity. |
percussion | the process of gently tapping with the fingers to deterine position, size, or consistency of an underlying structure. |
pharyngoscope | instrument used to view the throat. |
pleura | serous membrane which envelops the lungs and folds over to line the walls of the thoracic cavity. |
pleural effusion | excess of fluid in the pleural cavity. |
pneumonia | an inflammatory disease of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, disease, chemicals, etc. |
pneumothorax | collection of air in the pleural cavity. |
pulmonary | pertaining to the lungs. |
respiratory system | consists of organs taht are responsible for the breathing process,it exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide at a cellular level. |
sinusitis | inflammation of a sinus. |
sputum | an abnormal viscous fluid formed in the lower respiratory tract that often contains blood, pus, and bacteria. |
stenosis | narrowing or contriction. |
stethoscope | an instrument used in auscultation. |
tachypnea | rapid breathing. |
thoracic | pertaining to the chest area. |
tonsillotome | an instrument used to cut the tonsils. |
trachea | windpipe, cartilaginous tube which extends from the larynx to the brochial tubes. |
tuberculosis | an infection disease caused by inhaling viable tubercle bacilli. |
visceral pleura | the innermost layer lying next to the lung. |