Respiratory System Terminology

Front

apnea

Back

temporary cessation of breathing

Front

bronchophony

Back

abnormal increase in clarity of transmitted voice sounds heard when auscultating the lungs

Front

bronchoscopy

Back

direct examination of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi using an endoscope

Front

cilia

Back

short, fine hairs that provide a constant whipping motion that serves to propel mucus and foreign substances away from the lung toward the larynx

Front

compliance

Back

measure of the force required to expand or inflate the lungs

Front

crackles

Back

nonmusical, discontinuous popping sounds during inspiration caused by delayed reopening of the airways heard on chest auscultation

Front

dyspnea

Back

subjective experience that describes an uncomfortable or painful breathing sensation when either at rest or while walking or climbing stairs; also commonly referred to as shortness of breath

Front

egophony

Back

abnormal change in tone of voice that is heard when auscultating the lungs

Front

fremitus

Back

vibrations of speech felt as tremors of the chest wall during palpation

Front

hemoptysis

Back

expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract