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Paij Porter
Anatomy- Respiratory Tract
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| upper respiratory tract | composed of nose, nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx, and larynx |
| lower respiratory tract | composed of the trachea, all segments of the bronchial tree, and the lungs |
| respiratory mucosa | mucous membrane that possesses a rich blood supply, especially over the inferior turbinate, and is bright pink or red |
| vibrissae | Coarse hairs found in the skin of the vestibule. serve as an initial “filter” that screens particulate matter from air that is entering the system |
| pharynx | throat; Conducts air between nasal cavity and larynx |
| larynx | voice box; Conducts air between the pharynx and trachea, prevents food from entering lower airways, and ciliary escalator removes contaminants |
| epiglottis | Flexible “lid” of larynx; Flexes during swallowing to cover larynx and prevent food from entering lower airways |
| trachea | aka windpipe; Conducts air between the larynx and bronchi. Ciliary escalator removes contaminants |
| respiratory membrane | The barrier across which gases are exchanged between alveolar air and blood |
| surfactant | helps reduce surface tension—the force of attraction between water molecules—of the fluid. |
| alveoli | Microscopic air spaces at terminals of bronchial tree; Lined with simple squamous epithelium that joins with pulmonary capillary endothelium to form the respiratory membrane |
| lungs | cone-shaped organs; the lungs perform two functions—air distribution and gas exchange |
| visceral pleura | membrane that covers the outer surfaces of the lungs |
| laryngitis | inflammation of the mucous lining of the larynx, can result in lack of or hoarseness of voice |
| nasal cavity | Lumen of nose, separated into left and right portions by nasal septum supported by cartilage, vomer, and perpendicular plate of ethmoid; supported laterally by nasal conchae |