Transports air to and from the nose to the trachea.
Larynxlaryng/o
Makes speech possible.
Epiglottisepiglott/o
Closes off the trachea during swallowing.
Tracheatrache/o
Transports air to and from the pharynx to the bronchi.
Bronchibronch/o, bronchi/o
Transports air from the trachea into the lungs.
Alveolialveol/o
Air sacs that exchange gases with the pulmonary capillary blood.
Medical Specialties of the Respiratory System
Pulmonologist
Physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the respiratory system
Respiratory Therapist
Licensed medical professional who specializes in treating patients with breathing difficulties
Otolaryngologist, ENT
Ear, nose, and throat doctor.
Physician who treats diseases and disorders of the head and neck.
Thoracic Surgeon
Physician who performs surgery on the organs of the thoracic cavity including the heart, lungs and esophagus
Pathology of the Respiratory System
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
A group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems and includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Upper Respiratory Infection
Affects the upper part of your respiratory system, including your sinuses and throat and include the common cold, laryngitis, and pharyngitis (inflammation of the larynx and pharynx respectively).
Allergic Rhinitis
commonly known as an allergy, this is the inflammation of the nasal passages.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Highly contagious viral infection similar to the common cold but may be more severe in children and infants (bronchiolitis).
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinuses.
Hemothorax
Blood collection in the pleural cavity (cavity which contains lungs).
Pneumothorax
Air accumulation in the pleural space leading to a pressure imbalance that can collapse the lungs.
Atelectasis
Collapsed lung.
Pulmonary Embolism
A blockage, often a blood clot, that stops blood flow to an artery in the lung.
Pulmonary Edema
Fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Tuberculosis
Infectious bacterial disease that attacks the lungs.
Asthma
Chronic lung disease caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe.
Influenza
Also known as the flu, is a viral infection which manifests as respiratory inflammation, fever, chills, and muscle pain.
Cystic Fibrosis
Genetic disorder that produces excess mucus in the lungs.
Sleep Apnea
Potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
Digestive System
Ingestion
Food and water are brought into digestive system.
Secretion
Endocrine/exocrine glands secrete mucus, enzymes, acids, and hormones to aid digestive processes.
Propulsion
Pass from one digestive organ to next; peristalsis (rhythmic contracts of smooth muscle).
Absorption
Movement through wall of alimentary canal into blood or lymphatic vessels.
Digestion
Breakdown; mechanical (chewing) and chemical (via digestive enzymes).
Defecation
Non-digestible or unusable materials exit body as feces.
Digestive System Structures
Mouthor/o, stomat/o
Begins preparation for food digestion (mechanical and chemical).
Teethodont/i
Used for mastication (chewing) for mechanical digestion.
Pharynxpharyng/o
Transports food from mouth to esophagus.
Esophagus
esophag/o
Transports food from pharynx to stomach.
Stomach
gastr/o
Aids in chemical and mechanical digestion via secretions and propels it towards the small intestine.
Small Intestine
enter/o
Mixes incoming food (chyme) with digestive juices (chemical digestion); location of the majority of nutrient absorption
Large Intestine
col/o, colon/o
Absorbs excess water and prepares solid waste for elimination
Rectum and Anus
an/o, proct/o, rect/o
Controls defecation.
Liverhepat/o
Secrets bile and enzymes for lipid digestion
Gallbladdercholecyst/o
Stores bile
Pancreaspancreat/o
Secretes digestive juices and enzymes into the small intestines
Digestive Tract
Oral Cavity (mouth)
The oral cavity is responsible for ingestion, secretion, chemical and mechanical digestion, and propulsion.
The oral cavity mechanically forms food into a mass called a bolus and delivers it to the pharynx.
It contains two accessory organs, the teeth and tongue.
Pharynx
Responsible for propulsion of the bolus from the oral cavity towards the esophagus. The nasopharynx is solely a part of the respiratory system, while the lower pharynx which includes the oropharynx and laryngopharynx are a part of both the respiratory and digestive systems.
Esophagus
Responsible for deglutition (swallowing) and contains two sphincters which control the movement of the bolus and prevents regurgitation from the stomach.
Stomach
Sac-like organ with an additional muscular layer for mechanical digestion and rugae which are folds that allows for expansion.
The stomach is responsible for propulsion, secretion of gastric juices, chemical and mechanical digestion.
Small Intestine
Location of the majority of nutrient absorption and consists of three regions, the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Propels food towards the large intestine.
Large Intestine
Connects the small intestines to the anus and is responsible for water absorption and prepares solid waste for defecation.
Anus
Final portion of the digestive tract.
Responsible for defecation.
Accessory Organs
Teeth-Dentition
Key structures arranged in upper and lower jaw for mastication of food.
Aids in chemical digestion by increasing the surface area of food.
Tongue
Strong skeletal muscle which contains taste buds and assists in mastication and propulsion.
Liver
Responsible for bile production which aids in fat digestion; also removes toxins from blood and breaks down hemoglobin from erythrocytes
Gallbladder
Site of bile storage.
Pancreas
Produces and secretes digestive juices which assist in neutralizing incoming acidic chyme to the small intestines
Medical Specialties of the Digestive System
Dentist
Doctor of dental surgery (DDS)
Doctor of medical dentistry (DMD)
Treats diseases and disorders to the teeth and tissues of the oral cavity.
Gastroenterologist
Physician who specializes in diseases and disorders of the stomach and intestines.
Orthodontist
Dental specialist who prevents or corrects malocclusion of the teeth and related facial structures.
Periodontist
Dental specialist who prevents or treats disorders of the tissues surrounding the teeth.
Proctologist
Physician who specializes in disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus.
Pathology of the Digestive System
Canker Sores (aphthous ulcers)
Gray-white pits with a red border in the soft tissues lining the mouth; associated with stress, certain foods, or fever
Cleft Lip
Birth defect; deep groove of the lip running upward to the nose
Dental Caries
Also known as tooth decay or a cavity.
Caused by bacteria that destroy the enamel and dentin of the tooth
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Upward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.
Causes heartburn or pyrosis.
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestines
Emesis
Also known as vomiting.
Reflex ejection of the stomach contents outward through the mouth.
Diverticulosis
Chronic presence of an abnormal number of diverticula, or sacs, formed in weak spots of the colon
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Intermittent cramping and abdominal pain, accompanied by constipation or diarrhea; unknown cause all.
Crohn’s Disease (CD)
Autoimmune disorder; can occur anywhere in the digestive tract. Generally penetrates every layer of tissue in the affected area. Most common complication: blockage of the intestine
Fecal Incontinence
Inability to control the excretion of feces.
Hemorrhoids
Cluster of veins, muscles, and tissues slip near/through the anal opening
Hepatitis
Liver inflammation: usually a viral infection.
Cholelithiasis
Presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
Anal Fissure
Small crack-like sore in the skin of the anus.
Constipation
Having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week.
Diarrhea
Abnormally frequent flow of loose or watery stools.
Oral Thrush
Fungal infection in the mouth caused by Candida albicans.
Lactose Intolerance
Inability to digest dairy.
Absence of the enzyme lactase.
Jaundice
Yellow discoloration.
High levels of bilirubin in the blood.
Celiac Disease
Autoimmune disorder.
Severe reaction to ingesting gluten.
Word List
Word Parts
bronch/o, bronchi/o
bronchial tube, bronchus
laryng/o
larynx, throat
nas/o
nose
ox/i, ox/o, ox/y
oxygen
pharyng/o
throat, pharynx
phon/o
sound, voice
pleur/o
pleura, side of the body
-pnea
breathing
pneum/o, pneumon/o, pneu-
lung, air
pulm/o, pulmon/o
lung
sinus/o
sinus
somn/o
sleep
spir/o
to breathe, coil
thorac/o, -thorax
chest, pleural cavity
chest, thorax
trache/o, tracheaangi/o
trachea, windpipe
an/o
anus, ring
chol/e
bile, gall
cholecyst/o
gallbladder
col/o, colon/o
colon, large intestine
-emesis
vomiting
enter/o
intestine, usually small intestine
esophag/o
esophagus
gastr/o
stomach
hepat/o
liver
-lithiasis
presence of stones
-pepsia
to digest, digestion
-phagia
eating, swallowing
proct/o
anus and rectum
rect/o
rectum, straight
sigmoid/o
sigmoid colon
Terms
aerophagiaayr-oh-FAY-jee-ah
The excess swallowing of air while eating or drinking, and is a common cause of gas in the stomach.
anastomosisah-nas-toh-MOH-sis
A surgical connection between two hollow or tubular structures.
anoxiaah-NOCK-see-ah
The absence of oxygen from the body's gasses, blood, or tissues.
antiemetican-tih-ee-MET-ick
A medication administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
antitussivean-tih-TUSS-iv
A medication administered to prevent or relieve coughing.
aphoniaah-FOH-nee-ah
The loss of the ability of the larynx to produce normal speech sounds.
ascitesah-SIGH-teez
An abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
asphyxiaass-FICK-see-ah
The condition that occurs when the body cannot get the air it needs to function.
asthmaAZ-mah
A chronic allergic disorder, characterized by severe breathing difficulty, coughing, and wheezing.
atelectasisat-ee-LEK-tah-sis
A condition in which the lung fails to expand completely, because of shallow breathing, or because the air passages are blocked.
bariatricsbayr-ee-AT-ricks
The branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of obesity and allied diseases.
bradypneabrad-ihp-NEE-ah
An abnormally slow rate of respiration, usually of less than 10 breaths per minute.
bronchiectasisbrong-kee-ECK-tah-sis
When the walls of your bronchi, the tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs, become thickened and damaged.
bronchodilatorbrong-koh-dye-LAY-tor
A medication that expands the opening of the passages into the lungs.
bronchoscopybrong-KOS-koh-
The visual examination of the bronchi with the use of a bronchoscope.
bronchospasmBRONG-koh-spazm
A contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles that tighten and squeeze the airway shut.
cachexiakah-KEKS-eeh-ah
A condition of physical wasting away due the loss of weight and muscle mass that occurs in patients with diseases such as advanced cancer or aids.
canker soresKANE-ker
Also known as a mouth ulcer or aphthous ulcer.
A canker sore is a small, shallow, open wound or ulcer in your mouth that can make eating and talking uncomfortable.
Celiac Disease
SEE-lee-ak
An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten that damages the small intestine and affects nutrient absorption.
cheilitiskye-LITE-is
Lip Inflammation
A common skin condition affecting the corners of your mouth. It leads to painful, cracked sores.
cholangitiskoh-lan-JIGH-tis
An acute infection of the bile duct, characterized by pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, fever, and jaundice.
cholecystectomykoh-luh-sis-TECK-toh-mee
The surgical removal of the gall bladder.
cholecystitiskoh-luh-sis-TYE-tis
Inflammation of the gall bladder that is usually associated with gall stones blocking the flow of bile.
cholelithiasiskoh-luh-lih-THIGH-ah-sis
The presence of gall stones in the gall bladder or bile ducts.
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A long-term lung condition that makes it progressively harder to breathe.
It occurs when the airways and lung tissue become damaged, leading to reduced airflow and reduced efficiency of oxygen exchange in the lungs.
cirrhosissih-ROH-sis
A progressive, degenerative disease, of the liver, that is often caused by excessive alcohol use, or by viral hepatitis B or C.
Colonoscopy
koh-lun-OSS-koh-pee
The direct visual examination of the inner surface of the colon, from the rectum to the cecum.
Colostomy
koh-LAHS-toh-mee
An opening in the colon that lets stools pass from the body without going through the anus.
Crohn’s diseaseKROHNZ
A chronic autoimmune disease disorder that is most often found in the ilium, and in the colon.
Croup
KROOP
An acute respiratory syndrome in children and infants characterized by the obstruction of the larynx, hoarseness, and a barking cough.
cyanosissigh-ah-NOH-sis
When your skin, lips and/or nails turn a bluish tone due to lack of oxygen in the tissues.
cystic fibrosisSIS-tick figh-BROH-sis
A genetic disorder in which the lungs and pancreas are clogged with large quantities of abnormally thick mucus.
dental prophylaxisproh-fih-LACK-sis
A preventive procedure that includes a full examination and cleaning to prevent cavities and gum disease.
diverticulosisdye-ver-tick-you-LOH-sis
The presence of a number of diverticula in the colon.
dyspepsiadis-PEP-see-ah
Also known as indigestion.
Pain or discomfort in digestion.
Dysphagia
dis-FAY-jee-ah
Difficulty in swallowing.
Dysphonia
dis-FOH-nee-ah
Any change in vocal quality, including hoarseness, weakness, or the cracking of a boy's voice in puberty.
dyspneaDISP-nee-ah
Difficulty or labored breathing.
Also known as shortness of breath.
emphysemaem-fih-SEE-mah
The progressive loss of lung function that is commonly attributed to long-term smoking.
empyemaem-pye-EE-mah
An accumulation of pus or infected fluid in the pleural cavity.
Endoscopy
en-DOS-koh-pee
A nonsurgical procedure that can examine your digestive tract using a flexible tube with a camera. Find out the types, purposes, risks, and preparation of endoscopy …
The upward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.
gastroparesisgas-troh-pah-REE-sis
A condition in which the muscles in the stomach don't move food as they should for it to be digested.
gastrostomy tubegas-TROS-toh-mee
The surgical placement of a feeding tube from the exterior of the body into the stomach.
hematemesishee-mah-TEM-eh-sis
The vomiting of blood.
hemoptysishee-MOP-tih-sis
The coughing up of blood or blood-stained sputum from the lungs or bronchial tubes as a result of a pulmonary or bronchial hemorrhage.
hemothoraxhee-moh-THOH-racks
A collection of blood in the pleural cavity.
hepatitishep-ah-TYE-tis
An inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection.
hiatal herniahigh-AY-tal HER-nee-ah
A protrusion of a part of the stomach through the esophageal sphincter and the diaphragm.
hypercapniahigh-per-KAP-nee-ah
The abnormal buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood.
hyperemesishigh-per-EM-eh-sis
Extreme, persistent vomiting.
hyperpneahigh-perp-NEE-ah
An increase in the depth, and rate, of the respiratory movements.
hypopneahigh-poh-NEE-ah
Shallow, or slow, respiration.
hypoxemiahigh-pock-SEE-mee-ah
The condition of having below normal oxygen level in the blood.
hypoxiahigh-POCK-see-ah
The condition of having below normal oxygen levels in the body tissues and cells.
This condition is less severe than anoxia.
inguinal herniaING-gwih-nal HER-nee-ah
The protrusion of a small loop of bowel through a weak place in the lower abdominal wall or groin.
Jaundice
JAWN-dis
A yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, caused by greater than normal amounts of bilirubin in the blood.
Laryngitis
lar-in-JIGH-tis
An inflammation of the larynx.
Laryngospasm
lah-RING-goh-spazm
A rare condition that makes it hard to breathe or speak due to vocal cord spasms. Learn about the possible triggers, diagnosis and management of laryngo…
Leukoplakia
loo-koh-PLAY-kee-ah
A condition that causes painless white or gray patches to develop inside your mouth.
Malocclusion
mal-oh-KLOO-zhun
A misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the upper and lower dental arches when they approach each other as the jaws close.
mediastinummee-dee-as-TYE-num
The cavity located between the lungs, that surrounds and protects the heart, with its veins and arteries, and the esophagus, trachea, bronchi, thymus gland, and lymph node.
melenameh-LEE-nah
The passage of stools with a black and tar-like appearance caused by the presence of digested blood.
nebulizerNEB-you-lye-zer
Pumps air or oxygen through a liquid medicine to turn it into vapor, which is then inhaled by the patient via a face mask or mouth piece.
Otolaryngologist
oh-toh-lar-in-GOL-oh-jist
Also known as an ENT.
A physician with specialized training in the diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders, of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.
palatoplastyPAL-ah-toh-plas-tee
A surgical procedure used to correct or reconstruct the palate in a person with a cleft palate.
peptic ulcer diseaseUL-ser
Causes open sores in your stomach lining or duodenum (the top of your small intestine).
Peristalsis
pehr-ih-STAL-sis
A serious of wave-like contractions of the smooth muscles in a single direction.
pertussisper-TUS-is
A contagious bacteria infections of the upper respiratory tract.
Also known as whooping cough.
pharyngitisfah-rin-JIGH-tis
An inflammation of the pharynx.
Also known as a sore throat.
pleural effusioneh-FEW-zhun
The accumulation of excessive fluid in the pleural space, the potential space that surrounds each lung.
pleurisyPLOOR-ih-see
An inflammation of the pleura, that produces sharp chest pain with each breath.
pleurodyniaploor-oh-DIN-ee-ah
Pain in the pleura that occurs in relation to breathing movements.
Pneumothorax
new-moh-THOH-racks
The accumulation of air in the pleural space, causing a pressure imbalance that can make the lung collapse.
polypPOL-up
An abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane.
Proctologist
prock-TOL-oh-jist
A specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the rectum, anus, and colon.
pulmonary edemaeh-DEE-mah
A condition caused by too much fluid in the lungs.
pulmonologistpull-mah-NOL-oh-jist
A specialist in diagnosing, and treating diseases and disorders, of the lungs and associated tissues.
pulse oximeterock-SIM-eh-ter
An extenral monitor placed on the patients finger or ear lobe, to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood.
pyothoraxpye-oh-THOH-racks
An accumulation of pus, or infected fluid, in the pleural cavity.
Regurgitation
ree-gur-jih-TAY-shun
The return of swallowed food into the mouth.
sinusitissigh-nuh-SIGH-tis
An inflammation of the sinuses.
Sleep Apnea
AP-nee-ah
The absence of spontaneous respiration.
spirometerspih-ROM-eh-ter
An apparatus for measuring the volume of air inspired and expired by the lungs.
stomatitisstoh-mah-TYE-tis
Inflammation in the tissue lining your mouth or lips.
Tachypnea
tack-ihp-NEE-ah
An abnormally rapid rate of respiration, usually of more than 20 breaths per minute.
thoracotomythoh-rah-KOT-oh-mee
A procedure that lets a surgeon see into your thoracic cavity to diagnose an illness or to treat one.
thoracostomythoh-rah-KOS-toh-mee
The surgical creation of an opening into the chest cavity that is performed to establish drainage of empayena.
tracheostomytray-kee-OS-toh-mee
The creation of an opening into the trachea and insertion of a tube to facilitate the passage of air or removal of secretions.
tracheotomytray-kee-OT-oh-mee
An empergency procedure performed to gain access to the airway below a blockage.
trismusTRIZ-mus
Describes any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma, surgery, or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer.
tuberculosistoo-ber-kew-LOH-sis
Which is an infectious diseased caused by myco-bacterium tuberculosis, usually attack the lungs. However, it may also affect other parts of the body.
ulcerative colitisUL-ser-ay-tiv koh-LYE-tis
A chronic condition of unknown cause, in which there are repeated episodes of inflammation in the rectum and large intestine that causes ulcers and irritation.
Volvulus
VOL-view-lus
The twisting of the intestine on itself, causing an obstruction.
Xerostomia
zeer-oh-STOH-mee-ah
The lack of adequate saliva due to diminished, or the lack of, salivary gland secretions.