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adventitious
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occurring in an unusual place or manner
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agonal breathing
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irregular, labored breathing with gasping
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alveoli
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clusters of milk-secreting cells located within the breast
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apnea
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the cessation of breathing
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atelectasis
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the collapse of alveoli in the lungs, resulting in limited air movement and decreased gas exchange
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bradypnea
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a slower-than-normal respiratory rate (fewer than twelve breaths per minute in adults) at rest
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bronchitis
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inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often occurring secondary to a respiratory infection
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Cheyne-Stokes respiration
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a cyclical breathing pattern involving periods of apnea and hyperventilation that often occurs at end of life
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chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways and lungs
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clavicular notch
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the shallow depression located on either side at the superior-lateral margins of the manubrium
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coarse crackles
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intermittent, low-pitched gurgling sounds heard on inspiration
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crepitus
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a popping or crackling sensation when the skin is palpated; it is a sign of air trapped under the subcutaneous tissues
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dyspnea
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difficult, labored breathing pattern
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expiration
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the movement of air out of the lungs
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facet
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the articulation site where the rib attaches to the thoracic vertebrae
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fibroelastic membrane
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a flexible membrane that closes the posterior surface of the trachea, allowing it to stretch and expand slightly during inhalation and exhalation
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fine crackles (rales)
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intermittent high-pitched popping or crackling sounds heard on inspiration
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friction rub
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a grating sound heard on either inspiration or expiration
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hilum
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the concave region where blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves enter the lungs
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immune system
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a complex collection of cells and organs that destroys or neutralizes pathogens that would otherwise cause disease or death
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inspiration
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the movement of air into the lungs
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interstitial space
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the area between individual cells in the tissues
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jugular (suprasternal) notch
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the shallow, U-shaped border at the top of the manubrium of the sternum between the medial ends of the clavicles
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Kussmaul respiration
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a deep, rapid breathing pattern associated with metabolic acidosis
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lactiferous ducts
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milk-secreting openings located on the surface of the nipple
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lactiferous sinus
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a glandular lobe within the breast itself that contains groups of milk-secreting cells
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lymph
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interstitial fluid that has entered the lymphatic system
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lymph node
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a small bean-shaped organ that composes part of the lymphatic system
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lymphadenopathy
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swelling of the lymph nodes
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lymphatic system
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system of vessels, cells, and organs that carry excess fluids to the bloodstream and filter pathogens from the blood through lymph nodes
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lymphedema
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accumulation of protein-rich interstitial fluid in the tissue spaces as a result of lymphatic system blockage or damage
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mammary glands
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modified sweat glands located in the breasts that makes breast milk
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manubrium
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the wider, superior portion of the sternum
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metastasis
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the spread of cells to a distant site, such as with cancer cells
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obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
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a cessation of breathing that occurs during sleep
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orthopnea
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difficulty breathing when lying flat
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parietal pleura
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the outermost pleural membrane layer that connects to the thoracic wall, mediastinum, and diaphragm
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paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)
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dyspnea that occurs abruptly during the night, usually waking the patient from sleep
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pleura
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the double-layered serous membrane that surrounds each lung
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pleural cavity
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the compartment enclosing the lung, created by the visceral and parietal membrane layers
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pleural effusion
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an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity
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pneumothorax
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an abnormal accumulation of air in the pleural space
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pulmonary edema
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a buildup of fluid in the veins and alveoli of the lungs caused by the inability of the heart to adequately circulate blood
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respiratory capacity
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the combination of two or more selected respiratory volumes, which further describes the amount of air in the lungs during a given time
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respiratory volume
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the amount of air moved by or associated with the lungs at a given point in the respiratory cycle
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retraction
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the “pulling in” of muscles between the ribs or in the neck when breathing, indicating difficulty breathing or respiratory distress
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rhonchi
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continuous, low-pitched whistling-type noises produced during expiration (sometimes during inspiration)
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sternoclavicular joint
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the site where the clavicle and sternum are attached
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sternum
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the elongated bony structure that anchors the anterior thoracic cage
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stridor
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a high-pitched “crowing” sound heard only on inspiration
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tachypnea
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a respiratory rate that exceeds 20 breaths per minute
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thoracic cage
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the anatomical structure that includes the twelve ribs and sternum
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thorax
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the area of the body commonly known as the chest
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total lung capacity (TLC)
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the sum of all the lung volumes
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trachea
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the lowest structure of the upper airway, adjacent to the esophagus, that connects the lung bronchi and the larynx and provides a route for air to enter and exit the lungs; also known as the windpipe
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visceral pleura
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the innermost pleural membrane layer that lies superficial to the lungs
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wheeze
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a continuous, high-pitched whistling-type noise produced during expiration (sometimes during inspiration)
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xiphoid process
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the inferior tip of the sternum