4.9: Glossary

Adenoid (ĂD-ĕ-noyd): Lymphatic tissue between the back of the nasal cavity and the pharynx. (Chapter 4.4)

Adenoiditis (ad-ĕ-noyd-ĪT-is): Inflammation of the adenoids. (Chapter 4.4)

Allergies (ĂL-ĕr-jēz): A condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. (Chapter 4.6)

Alveolar (ăl-VĒ-ŏ-lăr): Pertaining to the alveoli, the small air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange​​. (Chapter 4.4)

Alveoli (ăl-VĒ-ō-lī): Tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. (Chapter 4.4)

Anaphylaxis (ăn-ă-fĭ-LĂK-sĭs): A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. (Chapter 4.6)

Apnea (ĂP-nē-ă): Absence of breathing. (Chapter 4.5)

Arterial blood gas (ar-TĬR-ē-ăl blŭd găs): A test that measures the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood from an artery. It is used to check how well the lungs are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. (Chapter 4.7)

Asphyxia (ăs-FĬK-sē-ă): A condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death; suffocation. (Chapter 4.5)

Aspirate (ĂS-pĭ-rāt): To draw in or out using a sucking motion, typically refers to the process of drawing fluid or tissue samples from the body. (Chapter 4.7)

Aspiration (ăs-pĭ-RĀ-shŭn): The inhalation of food, liquid, or other material into the respiratory tract. (Chapter 4.4)

Asthma (ĂZ-mă): A condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrow, and swell, producing extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. (Chapter 4.6)

Asthma attacks (ĂZ-mă ă-TĂKS): Episodes of severe asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. (Chapter 4.6)

Atelectasis (ăt-ĕ-lĔK-tă-sĭs): The collapse of part or all of a lung, often caused by a blockage of the air passages or by pressure on the outside of the lung. (Chapter 4.4)

Bilevel positive airway pressure (BĪ-lĕv-ĕl PŎZ-ĭ-tĭv ĀR-wā PRĔSH-ŭr) (BiPAP): A form of noninvasive ventilation that provides two levels of air pressure, one for inhalation and a lower one for exhalation, used in the treatment of sleep apnea and other respiratory problems. (Chapter 4.7)

Bradypnea (brăd-ĬP-nē-ă): Abnormally slow breathing. (Chapter 4.5)

Bronchi (BRŎNG-kī): The main passageways into the lungs. (Chapter 4.4)

Bronchial washing (BRŎNG-kē-ăl WŎSH-ing): A procedure during bronchoscopy where saline is squirted into a part of the lung and then recollected for examination. It’s used to collect cells from the bronchial tubes. (Chapter 4.7)

Bronchioles (BRŎNG-kē-ōlz): Small branches of the bronchi that lead to the alveoli in the lungs. (Chapter 4.4)

Bronchiolitis (brŏng-kē-ŎL-ĭ-tĭs): An inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, known as bronchioles, usually due to a viral infection. It is most common in infants and young children, particularly during the winter months, and can cause symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. (Chapter 4.6)

Bronchitis (brŏng-KĪ-tĭs): Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often resulting from infection or environmental factors like smoking. (Chapter 4.4)

Bronchodilator (brŏng-kō-DĪ-lā-tŏr): A drug that relaxes bronchial muscle resulting in expansion of the bronchial air passages, used in conditions like asthma. (Chapter 4.6)

Bronchoscope (BRŎNG-kŏ-skōp): A medical instrument with a light and camera used for examining the inside of the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. (Chapter 4.7)

Bronchoscopy (brŏng-KŎS-kŏ-pē): A procedure that allows a doctor to look at the airway through a thin viewing instrument called a bronchoscope. (Chapter 4.4)

Bronchospasm (BRŎNG-kō-spăz-ŭm): The sudden constriction of the muscles in the bronchial walls. (Chapter 4.4)

Cancer (KĂN-sŏr): A disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissue. (Chapter 4.6)

Chest X-rays (chĕst ĕks-rāz) (CXR): An imaging test that uses small amounts of radiation to produce pictures of the organs, bones, and tissues in the chest area; also called radiographs. (Chapter 4.6)

Chronic bronchitis (KRŎN-ĭk brŏng-KĪ-tĭs): A form of bronchitis characterized by chronic cough and mucus production for at least three months in two consecutive years. (Chapter 4.6)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (KRŎN-ĭk ŏb-STRŬK-tĭv PŬL-mō-nĕ-rē dĭ-ZĒZ) (COPD): A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe. (Chapter 4.6)

Computed tomography scan (kŏm-PYŌŌ-tĕd tŏ-mŎG-ră-fē skăn) (CT): A medical imaging technique used to create detailed images of internal body structures, particularly useful for diagnosing diseases or conditions in the lungs and other thoracic structures. (Chapter 4.7)

Continuous positive airway pressure device (kŏn-TĬN-yū-ŭs POZ-ĭ-tĭv AIR-wā PRESS-ŭr dĭ-VĪS) (CPAP): A type of therapy used in sleep apnea, in which air is supplied through a mask to keep airways open during sleep. (Chapter 4.6)

CT-guided needle biopsy (sē-tē GĪ-dĕd NĒ-dŭl BĪ-ŏp-sē): A procedure where a needle biopsy is performed with the guidance of computed tomography (CT) imaging to obtain a tissue sample from the lung or other internal organs. (Chapter 4.7)

Cyanosis (sī-ă-NŌ-sĭs): A bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood. (Chapter 4.6)

Cyanotic (sī-ă-NŎT-ĭk): Pertaining to cyanosis; a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood. (Chapter 4.6)

Cystic fibrosis (SĬS-tĭk fī-BRŌ-sĭs): A genetic disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system, characterized by thick, sticky mucus that can clog airways and lead to respiratory and digestive problems. (Chapter 4.6)

Dysphonia (dis-FŌ-nē-ă): Difficulty in speaking due to a problem with the voice. (Chapter 4.4)

Dyspnea (dĭs-PNĒ-ă): Difficulty or discomfort in breathing; shortness of breath. (Chapter 4.5)

Emphysema (ĕm-fĭ-ZĒ-mă): A chronic respiratory disease where there is overinflation of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, leading to a decrease in lung function and breathlessness. (Chapter 4.6)

Endotracheal tube (ĕn-dō-TRĀ-kē-ăl tūb) (ET tube): A flexible plastic tube that is put in the mouth and then down into the trachea to help a patient breathe. (Chapter 4.7)

Epiglottis (ĕ-pĭ-GLŎT-ĭs): A flap of tissue that covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent aspiration. (Chapter 4.4)

Epistaxis (ĕp-ĭ-STĂK-sĭs): Bleeding from the nose; also called rhinorrhagia. (Chapter 4.4)

Exacerbations (ĕg-ză-sĕr-BĀ-shŭns): Episodes where symptoms of a disease become worse or more severe. (Chapter 4.6)

Exhalation (ĕks-hă-LĀ-shŭn): The process of breathing out air. (Chapter 4.5)

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (fīn NĒ-dŭl ăs-pĭ-RĀ-shŭn BĪ-ŏp-sē) (FNA): A diagnostic procedure used to investigate lumps or masses. In this technique, a thin needle is used to extract sample cells from the body. (Chapter 4.7)

Gas exchange (găs ĭk-SCHĀNJ): The process in the lungs where oxygen is taken up by the blood and carbon dioxide is released from the blood. (Chapter 4.5)

Hemoglobin (HĒ-mō-glō-bĭn): A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returns carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs. (Chapter 4.5)

Hemoptysis (hē-MŎP-tĭ-sĭs): Coughing up blood from the respiratory tract. (Chapter 4.6)

Hypercapnia (hī-pĕr-KĂP-nē-ă): Excess carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, typically caused by inadequate respiration. (Chapter 4.5)

Hyperpnea (hī-PŬR-pnē-ă): Excessively deep or rapid breathing; forced breathing. (Chapter 4.5)

Hyperventilation (hī-pĕr-vĕn-tĭ-LĀ-shŭn): Breathing that is deeper and more rapid than normal. (Chapter 4.5)

Hypopnea (hī-pŎP-nē-ă): Deficient shallow or slow breathing. (Chapter 4.5)

Hypoventilation (hī-pō-vĕn-tĭ-LĀ-shŭn): Reduced rate and/or depth of air movement into the lungs, leading to increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. (Chapter 4.5)

Hypoxemia (hī-pŏk-SĒ-mē-ă): Low levels of oxygen in the blood. (Chapter 4.5)

Hypoxia (hī-PŎK-sē-ă): A condition in which the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply at the tissue level. (Chapter 4.5)

Influenza (ĭn-flōō-ĕn-ză): A highly contagious viral infection affecting the respiratory tract, commonly referred to as the flu, with symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. (Chapter 4.6)

Inhalation (ĭn-hă-lĀ-shŭn): The process of breathing in air. (Chapter 4.5)

Labored breathing (LĀ-bŏrd BRĒ-thĭng): Breathing that requires more effort than normal; often a sign of distress or illness. (Chapter 4.5)

Laryngitis (lă-rĭn-JĪ-tĭs): Inflammation of the larynx, typically resulting in huskiness or loss of voice. (Chapter 4.4)

Larynx (LĀR-ĭngks): The organ forming an air passage to the lungs and holding the vocal cords; the voice box. (Chapter 4.4)

Lobectomy (lō-BĔK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of a lobe of an organ, such as a lobe of the lung. (Chapter 4.4)

Lobes (lōbz): Divisions of the lungs; the right lung has three lobes, and the left lung has two. (Chapter 4.4)

Lung cancer (lŭng KĂN-sŏr): A type of cancer that begins in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body. (Chapter 4.6)

Lungs (lŭngz): The main organs of the respiratory system, responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. (Chapter 4.4)

Magnetic resonance imaging (măg-NĔT-ĭk rĕz-ŏ-năns ĬM-ă-jing) (MRI): A medical imaging technique used in radiology to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body. (Chapter 4.7)

Mechanical ventilator (mĕ-kăn-Ĭ-kăl vĕn-tĬ-lā-tŏr): A machine that provides respiratory support for patients who are unable to breathe effectively on their own. (Chapter 4.7)

Metastases (mĕ-TĂS-tă-sēz): The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. (Chapter 4.6)

Mucus (MŪ-kŭs): A slippery secretion produced by, and covering, mucous membranes for lubrication and protection. (Chapter 4.4)

Nasal cannula (NĀ-zăl KĂN-yū-lă): A device used to deliver supplemental oxygen or increased airflow to a patient in need of respiratory help. (Chapter 4.7)

Nebulizer (NĒB-yū-lī-zĕr): A device for converting a drug into mist and delivering it to the lungs, often used in treating asthma and other respiratory conditions. (Chapter 4.6)

Needle biopsy (NĒ-dŭl BĪ-ŏp-sē): A procedure to obtain a sample of cells from the body for laboratory testing, often used to diagnose diseases such as cancer. (Chapter 4.7)

Obstructive sleep apnea (ŏb-STRŬK-tĭv slēp ăp-NĒ-ă) (OSA): A sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. (Chapter 4.6)

Peak flow meter (pēk flō mē-tĕr): A small, hand-held device used to measure the ability to push air out of the lungs. (Chapter 4.6)

Perfusion (pĕr-FYŪ-zhŭn): The passage of fluid through the circulatory system or lymphatic system to an organ or a tissue. (Chapter 4.5)

Pharyngitis (fă-RĬN-JĪ-tĭs): Inflammation of the pharynx, often resulting in a sore throat. (Chapter 4.4)

Pharynx (FĂR-ĭngks): Commonly known as the throat; a part of the neck and throat that is situated posteriorly to the mouth and nasal cavity and cranially to the esophagus and larynx. (Chapter 4.4)

Pleural effusion (PLŪR-ăl ĕ-FYŪ-zhŭn): A condition where fluid accumulates in the pleural space, the area between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity. (Chapter 4.4)

Pleural rub (plur-uhl ruhb): An abnormal lung sound that is caused by inflammation of the pleura membranes that results in friction as the surfaces rub against each other. (Chapter 4.5)

Pneumonia (nū-MŌ-nē-ă): An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus. (Chapter 4.4)

Positron emission tomography scan (pŏz-Ĭ-trŏn ĭ-MĬSH-ən tŏ-mŏG-ră-fē skăn) (PET): A diagnostic imaging test using a radioactive substance to look for disease in the body, often used for detecting cancer. (Chapter 4.7)

Pruritus (PRŪ-rī-tŭs): Itching or an uncomfortable irritation of the skin. (Chapter 4.6)

Pulmonary arteries (PŬL-mō-nĕ-rē ăr-tĕ-rēs): The arteries carrying blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. (Chapter 4.5)

Pulmonary circulation (PŬL-mō-nĕ-rē sĭr-kyū-LĀ-shŭn): The part of the circulatory system which carries blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart. (Chapter 4.5)

Pulmonary edema (PŬL-mŏn-ăr-ē ĕ-DĒ-mă): Fluid accumulation in the alveoli of the lungs, often caused by heart or kidney failure​​. (Chapter 4.5)

Pulmonary embolism (PŬL-mŏ-nā-rē ĕm-BŌ-lĭ-zŭm) (PE): A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body. (Chapter 4.6)

Pulmonary function tests (PŬL-mŏ-nā-rē fŭnk-shŭn tĕsts) (PFTs): A group of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they move gases such as oxygen from the atmosphere into the body’s circulation. (Chapter 4.7)

Pulmonologist (pŭl-mŏn-ŎL-ŏ-jĭst): A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders related to the respiratory system. (Chapter 4.7)

Pulse oximeter (pŭls ŏk-SĬM-ĭ-tŏr): A small, clip-like device that attaches to a body part, like toes or an earlobe, but most commonly to a finger, to measure the oxygen saturation of arterial blood. (Chapter 4.5)

Radiographs (RĀ-dē-ŏ-grăf): Images produced on a sensitive plate or film by X-rays, gamma rays, or similar radiation, and used in medical examinations. (Chapter 4.6)

Rales (rāylz): An abnormal lung sound, also called fine crackles, that sound like popping or crackling sounds on inspiration. Rales are associated with medical conditions that cause fluid accumulation within the alveolar and interstitial spaces, such as heart failure or pneumonia. (Chapter 4.5)

Respiration (rĕs-pĭ-RĀ-shŏn): The process of inhaling oxygen from the air and exhaling carbon dioxide out of the body. It is a vital function for the survival of humans and many other organisms, facilitating the exchange of gases in the lungs and tissues. (Chapter 4.5)

Respiratory rate (RES-pĭr-ă-tō-rē rāt): The number of breaths a person takes per minute. (Chapter 4.5)

Respiratory syncytial virus (rĕs-pĭ-RĂ-tōr-ē SĬN-sĭ-shē-ăl VĪ-rŭs) (RSV): A common and highly contagious virus that causes infections of the respiratory tract. It can lead to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older children but can be severe in infants, young children, and older adults, especially those with underlying health conditions. (Chapter 4.6)

Respiratory therapists (rĕ-spĭr-ă-tōr-ē THĔR-ă-pĭsts): Health care professionals who specialize in providing care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. (Chapter 4.7)

Rhinitis (rye-NYE-tis): Inflammation of the nasal mucosa. (Chapter 4.4)

Rhinorrhagia (rī-nō-RĀ-jē-ă): Bleeding from the nose, also known as epistaxis. (Chapter 4.4)

Rhinorrhea (rye-noh-REE-uh): Excess mucous production by the nasal cavities, commonly referred to as a “runny nose.” (Chapter 4.4)

Rhonchi (rŏng-kahy): An abnormal lung sounds, also referred to as coarse crackles, that are are low-pitched, continuous sounds heard on expiration that are a sign of turbulent airflow through mucus in the large airways. (Chapter 4.5)

Septum (SĔP-tŭm): The structure separating the left and right airways in the nose, dividing the two nostrils. (Chapter 4.4)

Sinusitis (sī-nŭ-SĪ-tĭs): Inflammation of the sinus cavities. (Chapter 4.4)

Spirometry (spī-RŎM-ĕ-trē): A common office test used to assess how well the lungs work by measuring how much air is inhaled, how much is exhaled, and how quickly it is exhaled. (Chapter 4.7)

Sputum (SPŪT-ŭm): Mucous secretions from the respiratory tract that can be expelled through the mouth​​. (Chapter 4.4)

Sputum culture (SPYŌŌ-tŭm KŬL-chŭr): A test to detect and identify bacteria or fungi that are infecting the lungs or breathing passages. (Chapter 4.7)

Stethoscope (STĔTH-ō-skōp): A medical instrument used for listening to the internal sounds of an organism, typically used for heart and lung sounds. (Chapter 4.5)

Stridor (strī-door): An abnormal lungs sound heard during inspiration that is associated with obstruction of the trachea/upper airway. (Chapter 4.5)

Surfactant (SŬR-făk-tănt): A substance that reduces the surface tension of fluid in the lungs and helps make the alveoli more stable. (Chapter 4.4)

Tachypnea (tăk-ĬP-nē-ă): Rapid breathing. (Chapter 4.5)

Thoracentesis (thŏr-ă-sĕn-TĒ-sĭs): A procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura) and the wall of the chest. (Chapter 4.7)

Thoracic cavity (thō-RĂS-ĭk KĂV-ĭ-tē): The area of the body located between the neck and the diaphragm, housing the lungs and heart. (Chapter 4.5)

Thoracic surgeon (thō-RĂS-ĭk SŬR-jŏn): A surgeon who specializes in surgical procedures of the chest, including the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. (Chapter 4.7)

Tonsillitis (tŏn-sĭl-Ī-tĭs): Inflammation of the tonsils. (Chapter 4.4)

Trachea (TRĀ-kē-ă): The windpipe; a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi, providing a pathway for air to enter the lungs. (Chapter 4.4)

Tracheostomy (trā-kē-ŎS-tŏ-mē): A surgical procedure to create an opening through the neck into the trachea (windpipe) to allow direct access to the breathing tube. (Chapter 4.4)

Tuberculosis (tū-bĕr-kyū-lō-sĭs) (TB): A serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. (Chapter 4.6)

Upper respiratory infection (ŬP-er RES-pĭr-ă-tō-rē ĭn-FEK-shun) (URI): A viral infection of one or more structures of the upper respiratory system, including the nose, nasal cavities, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. (Chapter 4.4)

Ventilation (vĕn-tĭ-LĀ-shŭn): The movement of air in and out of the lungs. (Chapter 4.5)

Wheezing (HWĒ-zĭng): A high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing, typically heard when exhaling, often associated with asthma or lung diseases. (Chapter 4.6)