The Airway
This C-shaped structure is kept open by 16 to 21 cartilaginous rings and is often called the windpipe.
Trachea
This rhythmic, wave-like contraction of smooth muscle moves food through the gastrointestinal tract.
Peristalsis
This muscular "floor" of the thoracic cavity is the primary muscle used for inhalation.
Diaphragm
Rugae (folds that allow for expansion) are found in these two specific organs.
Stomach and Gallbladder
These two body systems must work together perfectly to provide cells with oxygen and remove waste; a failure in either system results in rapid cell death from oxygen deprivation.
Respiratory and Cardiovascular systems
This "guardian of the airways" is a flap of cartilage that closes the trachea during swallowing.
Epiglottis
This greenish-yellow liquid produced by the liver is essential for emulsifying fats.
Bile
These are the three sections of the small intestine, in order from the stomach to the large intestine.
Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum
This organ serves as a common passageway for both the respiratory and digestive systems.
Pharynx
This respiratory pathology is characterized by a sudden expulsion of air intended to clear the lower respiratory tract.
Cough
This is the specific term for gas exchange that occurs between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries.
External (pulmonary) respiration
This is the name for the semi-liquid blend of food and gastric juice found in the stomach.
Chyme
This organ is the largest of the three pairs of salivary glands.
Parotid gland
The "Acini cells" in this organ secrete enzymes that break down proteins, carbs, and fats.
Pancreas
This condition is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that causes breathing episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, and chest tightness.
Asthma
These hair-like projections in the nasal cavity help move mucus and trapped particles toward the pharynx.
Cilia
These three structural features—circular folds, villi, and microvilli—drastically increase this in the small intestine.
Surface Area (for absorption)
This region of the pharynx is located directly behind the oral cavity and contains the palatine tonsils.
Oropharynx
This is the study of the digestive system, while this is the study of the respiratory system.
Gastroenterology and Pulmonology
In the digestive system, these are "indigestible or unabsorbed materials" that are eventually eliminated from the body.
Defecation (Feces/Stool)
This substance, produced in the alveoli, reduces surface tension to prevent the air sacs from collapsing.
Surfactant
These specific cells in the stomach lining are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Parietal cells
This hollow, pear-shaped sac is located on the inferior surface of the liver and stores bile.
Gallbladder
Diffusion is the process that allows these two types of "respiration" to occur.
Internal and External respiration
This common digestive pathology involves a backup of stomach acid into the esophagus, often causing a burning sensation in the chest.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)