Respiratory System

Front

Respiratory System Noun

---

[res-puh-ruh-tor-ee sis-tuhm]

Back

Respiratory System

---

The group of organs and tissues that allow you to breathe, supplying oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide.

---

Example: This diagram shows how the respiratory system works. When you inhale, the diaphragm moves down and lungs fill with air; when you exhale, it reverses.

Front

Respiration Noun

---

[res-puh-rey-shuhn]

Back

Respiration

---

The process of gas exchange, specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the body's tissues and the external environment.

---

Example: This diagram shows gas exchange in the lungs. Oxygen from inhaled air moves from the alveoli into red blood cells, while carbon dioxide moves out.

Front

Ventilation Noun

---

[ven-tl-ey-shuhn]

Back

Ventilation

---

The physical process of moving air into and out of the lungs through the actions of inhalation and exhalation.

---

Example: This image shows the two phases of ventilation: inspiration (breathing in) and expiration (breathing out), detailing how the diaphragm and rib muscles move.

Front

Nasal Cavity Noun

---

[ney-zuhl kav-i-tee]

Back

Nasal Cavity

---

The chamber inside the nose where inhaled air is warmed, moistened, and filtered by mucus and fine hairs.

---

Example: This diagram shows a side view of the head, identifying the nasal cavity (labeled 'Nasal passage') as the large air-filled space above and behind the nose.

Front

Sinuses Noun

---

[sahy-nuh-siz]

Back

Sinuses

---

Hollow areas in the bones of the head that help regulate the temperature and humidity of the air you inhale.

---

Example: This diagram shows the four pairs of sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in the skull connected to the nasal cavity, from both front and side views.

Front

Pharynx Noun

---

[far-ingks]

Back

Pharynx

---

The tube at the back of the throat that serves as a common passageway for both air and food.

---

Example: This diagram shows the pharynx, the tube behind the mouth and nasal cavity, and its three sections. It highlights its location connecting the respiratory and digestive systems.

Front

Epiglottis Noun

---

[ep-i-glot-is]

Back

Epiglottis

---

A flap of cartilage that covers the opening of the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the lungs.

---

Example: This diagram shows the epiglottis's function: it stays open to let air into the trachea (windpipe) and closes to block food from entering the airway.

Front

Larynx Noun

---

[lar-ingks]

Back

Larynx

---

The part of the throat that contains the vocal cords and functions as the voice box for sound production.

---

Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of the larynx, or voice box, labeling key parts like the epiglottis and vocal folds within the respiratory tract.

Front

Trachea Noun

---

[trey-kee-uh]

Back

Trachea

---

The tube, also known as the windpipe, that connects the larynx to the bronchi, allowing air to pass.

---

Example: This diagram shows the trachea, or windpipe, as the main tube connecting the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi, which lead into the lungs.

Front

Lung Noun

---

[luhng]

Back

Lung

---

One of a pair of spongy, air-filled organs in the chest that are the primary organs of the respiratory system.

---

Example: This diagram shows an alveolus, a tiny air sac in the lung, where oxygen from the air you breathe passes into the blood and carbon dioxide passes out.