Upper Respiratory Tract
This dynamic structural division of the respiratory system contains the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx, and larynx.
the upper respiratory tract
This rigid, windpipe structure is kept wide open by C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage to allow unobstructed airflow into the chest.
the trachea
This dome shaped muscle serves as the primary driver of quiet respiration, flattening downward to expand the thoracic cavity during inhalation.
the diaphragm
This specific respiratory volume refers to the amount of air inhaled and exhaled during a single, quiet, normal breath (typically 500mL)
tidal volume
Located within the brainstem, this specific anatomical center sets the fundamental resting rhythm and depth of automatic breathing.
the medulla oblongata
These three vertical, bone-like scrolls inside the nasal cavity create turbulence to warm, filter, and moisten incoming air
the conchae or the turbinates
The trachea splits into a left and right path at this specific, highly sensitive cartilaginous ridge, which triggers a violent cough if touched by foreign particles.
the carina
This specific, active process occurs when the intrapulmonic pressure drops below atmospheric pressure, causing air to rush down its pressure gradient into the lungs.
inspiration (or inhalation)
The passive movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide across the respiratory membrane occurs via this specific method of transport, moving from higher to lower concentration
diffusion
Peripheral chemoreceptors located in the carotid bodies and aortic arch are highly sensitive to drops in this specific gas concentration in the arterial blood.
oxygen
This specific region of the pharynx sits directly behind the mouth and acts as a shared pathway for both air and food
the oropharynx
Due to its shorter, wider, and more vertical orientation, an inhaled foreign object or aspirated fluid is most likely to lodge in this specific main bronchus.
the right primary bronchus
Normal, quiet expiration relies primarily on this passive physical property of the lungs and thoracic tissues rather than active muscle contraction.
elastic recoil
This iron-containing protein located inside red blood cells is responsible for transporting roughly 98.5% of all oxygen through the bloodstream.
hemoglobin
An Ohio LPN performing a head-to-toe assessment counts a resting adult patient's respiratory rate at 26 breaths per minute; the nurse should document this clinical finding as this term.
tachypnea
the epiglottis
These microscopic, grape-like clusters lack cartilage or cilia and serve as the exclusive functional units for gas exchange.
alveoli
This dynamic chemical coating lines the inside of alveoli to lower surface tension, preventing these tiny air sacs from collapsing during exhalation.
surfactant
The vast majority of carbon dioxide (about 70%) is converted and carried through the venous bloodstream in this specific chemical form.
bicarbonate ions
A patient with severe COPD retains excessive amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), which shifts their blood chemistry into this dangerous acid-base imbalance.
respiratory acidosis
Known as the "voice box," this structure is formed by nine rings of cartilage, including the large thyroid cartilage called the Adam's Apple.
the larynx
This specific layer of serous membrane adheres firmly to the outer surface of the lungs, dipping directly into their fissures.
the visceral pleura
These muscles, located between the ribs, contract during quiet inspiration to elevate the ribs and lift the sternum upward and outward.
the external intercostal muscles
This term describes the volume of air that remains trapped in the conducting airways (like the trachea and bronchi) and cannot participate in gas exchange.
anatomical dead space
If a patient suffers a traumatic chest wound that allows atmospheric air to enter the pleural space, the negative pressure is lost, resulting in this clinical condition.
pneumothorax (or collapsed lung)