Chapter 07 Key Terms
Tiny, balloon-shaped air sacs at the very end of the respiratory tract. They are the body's site for gas exchange, moving oxygen into the blood and taking carbon dioxide out.
Alveoli
A small, movable flap of cartilage at the base of the tongue that covers the opening of the windpipe (trachea) when you swallow, preventing food and drink from entering the lungs.
Epiglottis
The area of the throat containing the vocal cords, located between the pharynx and the trachea. It is used for breathing, swallowing, and talking. Also known as the "voice box."
Larynx
The hollow tube inside the neck that starts behind the nose and ends at the top of the trachea and esophagus. It serves as a passageway for both air and food. Also known as the "throat."
pharynx
The main airway that leads from the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. It is a large tube reinforced by rings of cartilage. Also known as the "windpipe."
Tranchea
The two main, large tubes that branch off from the trachea (windpipe), with one bronchus going to each lung.
Bronchi
The act of breathing out; exhaling.
Expiration
Two large, spongy organs in the chest that are the main component of the respiratory system. Their job is to bring oxygen into the body and send carbon dioxide out.
Lungs
A thin, moist, two-layered membrane that covers the outside of the lungs and lines the inside of the chest cavity, allowing the lungs to slide smoothly as you breathe.
Peura
The mechanical process of moving air into and out of the lungs. It is the "breathing" part of respiration.
Ventilation
The tiny, smaller airways that branch off from the bronchi, leading directly to the alveoli
Bronchioles
The process of gas exchange between the lungs (alveoli) and the blood. Oxygen moves from the lungs into the blood, and carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the lungs.
External Respiration
The hollow spaces inside the nose and skull that are lined with mucus membranes. They help to warm, filter, and moisten the air you breathe.
Nasal Cavities
The overall process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the outside environment. It includes breathing (ventilation) and gas exchange (external and internal respiration).
Respiration
The chemical process inside your cells where oxygen is used to make energy from carbohydrates (sugars).
Cellular respiration
The act of breathing in; inhaling.
Inspiration
The wall of cartilage and bone that divides the inside of the nose into two separate nasal cavities (the left and right sides).
Nasal septum
The network of organs and tissues that work together to help you breathe. It includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
Respiratory system
Tiny, hair-like structures that line the airways. They move in a wave-like motion to sweep mucus, dust, and germs up and out of the lungs.
Cilia
The process of gas exchange between the blood and the body's cells. Oxygen moves from the blood into the cells, and carbon dioxide moves from the cells into the blood.
Internal Respiration
The organ on the face that serves as the primary entrance for air into the respiratory tract. It warms, moistens, and filters air.
Nose
Hollow, air-filled cavities within the bones of the face and skull that connect to the nasal cavities. They help to lighten the skull and produce mucus.
Sinuses