Respiratory system vocabulary
- respiration: process in which a complex series of chemical reactions occur inside cells with the use of oxygen and glucose
- nasal cavity: opening within the nose
- nasal vestibule: space within flexible tissues inside of the nose
- pharynx: the throat; part of the respiratory and digestive systems
- nasopharynx: uppermost part of the throat, located in the posterior part of the nasal cavity
- oropharynx: middle-throat
- laryngopharynx: lowermost part of the throat, meets with the larynx
- larynx: voice-box, helps produce sound, located inferior to the epiglottis
- glottis: small opening to the larynx
- epiglottis: projected above the glottis; prevents liquids or foods from entering the respiratory tract
- vocal cords: connective tissue that is folded together, capable of producing a person's voice
- trachea: referred to as the windpipe; structure in which air moves through to the rest of the respiratory system
- tracheal cartilages: rings that give the trachea its structure
- bronchi: passageway for air into the lungs
- bronchiole: narrow passageway that brochi branch off into; no cartilage is present here
- lobule: piece of lung tissue bounded by connective fibers; subdivision of a lobe
- alveoli: specialized areas for gas exchange within the lungs
- alveolar ducts: passageways that bronchioles open up to
- alveolar sacs: gas exchange surfaces of the lungs
- lungs: specific areas for which gas exchange takes place; contains many respiratory structures in order to breath
- lobes: sections that the lung has been divided into
- pleura: membrane that surrounds each lung
- diaphragm: muscle located inferior to lungs; forms the floor of the thoracic cavity and is necessary for proper breathing movement