Term | Definition |
Pulmonary Ventilation | The exchange of air between the atmosphere and the air sacs of the lungs |
Nostrils | Air enters the body through these |
Nasopharynx | The superior portion, located behind the nasal cavity |
Larynx | Commonly called the Voice Box |
Vocal Cords | These vibrate as air flows over them from the lungs |
Epiglottis | A leaf-shaped cartilage that covers the larynx during swallowing |
Trachea | Commonly called the windpipe |
Mediastinum | The space between the lungs, including the esophagus, trachea, and lymph nodes |
Diaphragm | A muscular partition of the abdominal cavity |
Inhalation | Inspiration, the drawing of air into the lungs |
Exhalation | Expiration, the expulsion of air from the lungs |
Compliance | The ease with which one can expand the lungs and thorax |
Apnea | A temporary cessation of breathing |
Internal Exchange | The exchange of gases between the blood and cells |
Diffusion | The movement of molecules from an area in which they are in higher concentration to an area in which they are lower concentration |
Dyspnea | Difficult or labored braething |