respiratory tract
Lungs and airways
The respiratory tract is the system of organs and passages through which air travels during breathing, extending from the nose and mouth down through the throat, windpipe, and bronchial tubes to the lungs.
It is commonly divided into upper and lower portions, with the division occurring at the larynx.
Medical contexts frequently reference the respiratory tract when discussing infections, allergies, and other conditions affecting breathing: an upper respiratory tract infection.
Main lung air passages
- bronchiolesSmallest respiratory passages
- alveoliLung's gas-exchange chambers
- larynxSpeech-producing throat organ
- pharynxMuscular throat cavity
nasal cavity · sinuses · epiglottis · glottis · nasopharynx · oropharynx · turbinates · cilia
Draw air in
- exhaleExpel breath outward
- ventilationCirculation of fresh air
- oxygenElement eight, colorless gas
- carbon dioxideRespiration byproduct, photosynthesis fuel
breath · expiration · dyspnea · apnea · hyperventilation · gasping · wheezing · coughing
Chronic lung inflammation
- bronchitisInflamed airway disease
- pneumoniaInfected, inflamed lung tissue
- emphysemaDamaged lung air sacs
- tuberculosisMycobacterial lung disease
croup · laryngitis · pharyngitis · sinusitis · rhinitis · tracheitis · cystic fibrosis · lung cancer
Protective bodily secretion
- phlegmViscous airway secretion
- congestionExcessive accumulation causing blockage
- inflammationProtective tissue response
- pollutantsHarmful environmental substances
allergens · dust · smoke · pollen · spores · particulates · fumes · irritation
Portable respiratory medication device
- nebulizerMist-making breathing apparatus
- bronchodilatorMedication widening lung passages
- ventilatorMechanical breathing apparatus
- respiratorBreathing protection device
intubation · tracheostomy · oxygen therapy · spirometry · expectorant · decongestant · antihistamine · corticosteroid
bronchi
Main lung air passages
- bronchiolesSmallest respiratory passages
- alveoliLung's gas-exchange chambers
- larynxSpeech-producing throat organ
pharynx · nasal cavity · sinuses · epiglottis · glottis · nasopharynx · oropharynx · turbinates · cilia · mucous membrane
inhale
Draw air in
- exhaleExpel breath outward
- ventilationCirculation of fresh air
- oxygenElement eight, colorless gas
carbon dioxide · breath · expiration · dyspnea · apnea · hyperventilation · gasping · wheezing · coughing · snoring
asthma
Chronic lung inflammation
- bronchitisInflamed airway disease
- pneumoniaInfected, inflamed lung tissue
- emphysemaDamaged lung air sacs
tuberculosis · croup · laryngitis · pharyngitis · sinusitis · rhinitis · tracheitis · cystic fibrosis · lung cancer · pleurisy
mucus
Protective bodily secretion
- phlegmViscous airway secretion
- congestionExcessive accumulation causing blockage
- inflammationProtective tissue response
pollutants · allergens · dust · smoke · pollen · spores · particulates · fumes · irritation · obstruction
inhaler
Portable respiratory medication device
- nebulizerMist-making breathing apparatus
- bronchodilatorMedication widening lung passages
- ventilatorMechanical breathing apparatus
respirator · intubation · tracheostomy · oxygen therapy · spirometry · expectorant · decongestant · antihistamine · corticosteroid · pulmonologist
- respiratory systemlungs, bronchi, bronchioles, airways, larynx
- body passagesmouth, nose, ear, nostril, anus
- tractspamphlet, brochure, leaflet, booklet, parcel
- airborne diseasesmeasles, tuberculosis, chickenpox, influenza, whooping cough
- microhabitatsmicrohabitat, tree hollows, tide pool, rock crevices, leaf litter
respiratory tractcirculatory system
Heart, vessels, blood together
cardiovascular system · digestive tract · gastrointestinal tract · alimentary canal · excretory system
inspire, inspired, tract, inspiring, inspiration, expire, expired, aspiration, expiring