Subdivisions of the trachea that convey air to and from the lungs; also known as bronchial tubes
bronchi
The organ of voice production; also known as the voice box
larynx
Allergic disease of the mucous membranes in the nose and upper respiratory passages caused by exposure to pollen from grass, weeds, flowers, and other substances
Hay fever
Condition characterized by sudden periodic attacks of dyspnea accompanied by wheezing, caused by a spasm of the bronchial tubes
Asthma
The measurement of air capacity in the lungs using a device called a spirometer
spirometry
Emergency lifesaving treatment given to someone whose breathing or heartbeat has stopped
CPR
Bradypnea
Slow, shallow breathing
hypoventilation
Very tiny airway branches that split off of the bronchi
bronchioles
The muscular, tubular passage of the digestive and respiratory tracts that extends from the back of the nasal cavity and mouth to the esophagus; also known as the throat
pharynx
Disease characterized by the reduced ability of the lungs to perform their functions of ventilation. Symptoms include dyspnea with exertion and less than 50% of normal inspiratory capacity
COPD
Inherited disease that affects the respiratory system, pancreas, and sweat glands
cystic fibrosis
The injection of a tuberculin-purified protein derivative (PPD) under the skin to determine whether or not a person has been exposed to tuberculosis
TB test
A machine that delivers artificial respiration for a patient who is unable to breathe effectively on his or her own
Ventilator
Faster deeper breathing
hyperventilation
Fast breathing
tachypnea
The air tube that extends from the larynx into the thorax and which allows air to travel to and from the lungs
trachea
A cavity that divides the lungs and which contains the trachea, esophagus, heart, superior and inferior vena cavae, and aorta
mediastinum
A collection of air or gas in the pleural space
pneumothorax
Chronic pulmonary disease characterized by an abnormal increase in the size of the alveoli accompanied by loss of elasticity, results in shortness of breath and impaired heart function
Emphysema
A radiographic image of the lungs and heart; often done with anterior, posterior, and lateral views
CXR
Insertion of a breathing tube through the mouth and glottis and into the trachea to open and maintain a clear airway
ET intubation
Not breathing
apnea
Difficult or painful breathing
dyspnea
A large muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and which is used in breathing
diaphragm
A cavity on either side of the nasal septum that filters, warms, and humidifies inhaled air
nasal cavity
Bloody fluid in the pleural cavity caused by the rupture of small blood vessels due to inflammation of the lungs
hemothorax
Inhalation of a foreign body, food, or fluid through the nose, throat, or lungs
Aspiration
A surgical puncture into the chest wall to aspirate (draw out by means of suction) fluid from the pleural sac
The surgical creation of an opening in the chest to drain air or fluid; also known as a chest tube
Excessive breathing
Hyperpnea
Normal breathing
Eupnea
The space between the vocal cords
glottis
A leaf-like structure of fibrocartilage that closes the opening to the larynx when you swallow food and liquid, and which opens to allow air into the larynx when you breathe
epiglottis
Infection of the throat caused by the Streptococcus bacterium; characterized by a red, painful, and purulent (containing pus) throat
strep throat
Childhood disease characterized by a barking cough and high pitched breathing
Croup
A lifesaving technique in which an obstructed airway is cleared by exerting pressure on the diaphragm
heimlich maneuver
Monitoring of a patient during sleep to aid in diagnosing apnea or other sleep disorders; also known as a sleep study
polysomnography
High pitched snoring
rhonchi
Abnormal crackling sound
Rales