Respiratory System

Nose nas/o rhino/o

Exchanges air during inhaling and exhaling.

Warms, moisturizes, and filters inhaled air.

Sinuses sinus/o

Provides mucus.

Makes bones of the skull lighter.

Aids in sound production.

Pharynx pharyng/o

Transports air to and from the nose to the trachea.

Larynx laryng/o

Makes speech possible.

Epiglottis epiglott/o

Closes off the trachea during swallowing.

Trachea trache/o

Transports air to and from the pharynx to the bronchi.

Bronchi bronch/o, bronchi/o

Transports air from the trachea into the lungs.

Alveoli alveol/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

Mouth or/o, stomat/o

Begins preparation for food digestion (mechanical and chemical).

Teeth odont/i

Used for mastication (chewing) for mechanical digestion.

Pharynx pharyng/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.

Liver hepat/o

Secrets bile and enzymes for lipid digestion

Gallbladder cholecyst/o

Stores bile

Pancreas pancreat/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

aerophagia ayr-oh-FAY-jee-ah

The excess swallowing of air while eating or drinking, and is a common cause of gas in the stomach.

anastomosis ah-nas-toh-MOH-sis

A surgical connection between two hollow or tubular structures.

anoxia ah-NOCK-see-ah

The absence of oxygen from the body's gasses, blood, or tissues.

antiemetic an-tih-ee-MET-ick

A medication administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.

antitussive an-tih-TUSS-iv

A medication administered to prevent or relieve coughing.

aphonia ah-FOH-nee-ah

The loss of the ability of the larynx to produce normal speech sounds.

ascites ah-SIGH-teez

An abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

asphyxia ass-FICK-see-ah

The condition that occurs when the body cannot get the air it needs to function.

asthma AZ-mah

A chronic allergic disorder, characterized by severe breathing difficulty, coughing, and wheezing.

atelectasis at-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.

bariatrics bayr-ee-AT-ricks

The branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of obesity and allied diseases.

bradypnea brad-ihp-NEE-ah

An abnormally slow rate of respiration, usually of less than 10 breaths per minute.

bronchiectasis brong-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.

bronchodilator brong-koh-dye-LAY-tor

A medication that expands the opening of the passages into the lungs.

bronchoscopy brong-KOS-koh-

The visual examination of the bronchi with the use of a bronchoscope.

bronchospasm BRONG-koh-spazm

A contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles that tighten and squeeze the airway shut.

cachexia kah-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 sores KANE-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.

cheilitis kye-LITE-is

Lip Inflammation

A common skin condition affecting the corners of your mouth. It leads to painful, cracked sores.

cholangitis koh-lan-JIGH-tis

An acute infection of the bile duct, characterized by pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, fever, and jaundice.

cholecystectomy koh-luh-sis-TECK-toh-mee

The surgical removal of the gall bladder.

cholecystitis koh-luh-sis-TYE-tis

Inflammation of the gall bladder that is usually associated with gall stones blocking the flow of bile.

cholelithiasis koh-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.

cirrhosis sih-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 disease KROHNZ

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.

cyanosis sigh-ah-NOH-sis

When your skin, lips and/or nails turn a bluish tone due to lack of oxygen in the tissues.

cystic fibrosis SIS-tick figh-BROH-sis

A genetic disorder in which the lungs and pancreas are clogged with large quantities of abnormally thick mucus.

dental prophylaxis proh-fih-LACK-sis

A preventive procedure that includes a full examination and cleaning to prevent cavities and gum disease.

diverticulosis dye-ver-tick-you-LOH-sis

The presence of a number of diverticula in the colon.

dyspepsia dis-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.

dyspnea DISP-nee-ah

Difficulty or labored breathing.

Also known as shortness of breath.

emphysema em-fih-SEE-mah

The progressive loss of lung function that is commonly attributed to long-term smoking.

empyema em-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 …

endotracheal intubation en-doh-TRAY-kee-al in-too-BAY-shun

The passage of a tube through the nose or mouth into the trachea to establish or maintain an open airway.

Enema EH-neh-ma

Involves inserting liquid directly into your rectum to help you poop.

Enteritis en-ter-EYE-tis

An inflammation of the small intestine caused by eating or drinking substances contaminated with bacterial or viral pathogens.

epistaxis ep-ih-STACK-sis

Also known as a nosebleed.

Bleeding from the nose that is usually caused by an injury, excessive use of blood thinners, or bleeding disorders.

eructation eh-ruk-TAY-shun

The act or belching or raising gas orally from the stomach.

esophageal varices eh-sof-ah-JEE-al VAYR-ih-seez

Enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the interior of the esophagus.

gastroesophageal reflux disease gas-troh-eh-sof-ah-JEE-al REE-flucks

Also known as GERD.

The upward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.

gastroparesis gas-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 tube gas-TROS-toh-mee

The surgical placement of a feeding tube from the exterior of the body into the stomach.

hematemesis hee-mah-TEM-eh-sis

The vomiting of blood.

hemoptysis hee-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.

hemothorax hee-moh-THOH-racks

A collection of blood in the pleural cavity.

hepatitis hep-ah-TYE-tis

An inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection.

hiatal hernia high-AY-tal HER-nee-ah

A protrusion of a part of the stomach through the esophageal sphincter and the diaphragm.

hypercapnia high-per-KAP-nee-ah

The abnormal buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood.

hyperemesis high-per-EM-eh-sis

Extreme, persistent vomiting.

hyperpnea high-perp-NEE-ah

An increase in the depth, and rate, of the respiratory movements.

hypopnea high-poh-NEE-ah

Shallow, or slow, respiration.

hypoxemia high-pock-SEE-mee-ah

The condition of having below normal oxygen level in the blood.

hypoxia high-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 hernia ING-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.

mediastinum mee-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.

melena meh-LEE-nah

The passage of stools with a black and tar-like appearance caused by the presence of digested blood.

nebulizer NEB-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.

palatoplasty PAL-ah-toh-plas-tee

A surgical procedure used to correct or reconstruct the palate in a person with a cleft palate.

peptic ulcer disease UL-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.

pertussis per-TUS-is

A contagious bacteria infections of the upper respiratory tract.

Also known as whooping cough.

pharyngitis fah-rin-JIGH-tis

An inflammation of the pharynx.

Also known as a sore throat.

pleural effusion eh-FEW-zhun

The accumulation of excessive fluid in the pleural space, the potential space that surrounds each lung.

pleurisy PLOOR-ih-see

An inflammation of the pleura, that produces sharp chest pain with each breath.

pleurodynia ploor-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.

polyp POL-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 edema eh-DEE-mah

A condition caused by too much fluid in the lungs.

pulmonologist pull-mah-NOL-oh-jist

A specialist in diagnosing, and treating diseases and disorders, of the lungs and associated tissues.

pulse oximeter ock-SIM-eh-ter

An extenral monitor placed on the patients finger or ear lobe, to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood.

pyothorax pye-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.

sinusitis sigh-nuh-SIGH-tis

An inflammation of the sinuses.

Sleep Apnea AP-nee-ah

The absence of spontaneous respiration.

spirometer spih-ROM-eh-ter

An apparatus for measuring the volume of air inspired and expired by the lungs.

stomatitis stoh-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.

thoracotomy thoh-rah-KOT-oh-mee

A procedure that lets a surgeon see into your thoracic cavity to diagnose an illness or to treat one.

thoracostomy thoh-rah-KOS-toh-mee

The surgical creation of an opening into the chest cavity that is performed to establish drainage of empayena.

tracheostomy tray-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.

tracheotomy tray-kee-OT-oh-mee

An empergency procedure performed to gain access to the airway below a blockage.

trismus TRIZ-mus

Describes any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma, surgery, or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer.

tuberculosis too-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 colitis UL-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.