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Ch. 53 Vocab
Pharmacology
24
Nursing
Undergraduate 1
06/16/2013

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Term
alveoli
Definition
the respiratory sac, the smallest unit of the lungs, where gas exchange occurs
Term
asthma
Definition
disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of bronchospasm (i.e. bronchial muscle spasm leading to narrowed or obstructed airways)
Term
atelectasis
Definition
collapse of once-expanded alveoli
Term
bronchial tree
Definition
the conducting airways leading into the alveoli; they branch smaller and smaller, appearing much like a tree
Term
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Definition
chronic condition that occurs over time; oftenthe result of chronic bronchitis or repeated and sever asthma attacks; leads to destruction of the respiratory defense mechanisms and physical structure
Term
cilia
Definition
microscopic, hair-like projections of the epithelial cell membrane lining the upper respiratory tract, which are constantly moving and directing the mucus and any trapped substance toward the throat
Term
common cold
Definition
viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that initiates the release of histamine and prostaglandins and causes an inflammatory response
Term
cough
Definition
reflex response to irritation in the respiratory membrane, results in expelling of forced air through the mouth
Term
cystic fibrosis
Definition
a hereditary disease that results in the accumulation of copious amounts of very thick secretions in the lungs, which will eventually lead to obstruction of the airways and destruction of the lung tissues
Term
larynx
Definition
the vocal chords and the epiglottis, which close during swallowing to protect the lower respiratory tract from any foreign particles
Term
lower respiratory tract
Definition
the bronchi and the alveoli that make up the lungs; the area where gas exchanges takes place
Term
pneumonia
Definition
inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by bacterial or viral invasion of the tissue or by aspiration of foreign substances
Term
pneumothorax
Definition
air in the pleural space exerting high pressure against the alveoli
Term
respiration
Definition
the act of breathing to allow the exchange of gases, a basic process for living things
Term
respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
Definition
disorder found in premature neonates whose lungs have not had time to mature and who are lacking sufficient surfactant to maintain open airways to allow for respiration
Term
respiratory membrane
Definition
area through which gas exchange must be made; made up of the capillary endothelium, the capillary basement membrane, the interstitial space, the alveolar endothelium, and the surfactant layer
Term
seasonal rhinitis
Definition
inflammation of the nasal cavity, commonly called hay fever; caused by reaction to a specific antigen
Term
sinuses
Definition
air-filled passages through the skull that open into the nasal passage
Term
sinusitis
Definition
inflammation of the epithelial lining of the sinus cavities
Term
sneeze
Definition
reflex response to irritation to receptors in the nares, results in expelling forced air through the nose
Term
surfactant
Definition
lipoprotein that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, allowing them to stay open to allow gas exchange
Term
trachea
Definition
the main conducting airway leading into the lungs
Term
upper respiratory tract
Definition
the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and trachea- the conducting airways where no gas exchange occurs
Term
ventilation
Definition
the movement of gases in and out of the lungs
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