Chp 53 Introduction to the Respiratory System

alveoli: the respiratory sac, the smallest unit of the lungs, where gas exchange occurs
asthma: disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of bronchospasm (i.e., bronchial muscle
spasm leading to narrowed or obstructed airways)
atelectasis: collapse of once-expanded alveoli
bronchial tree: the conducting airways leading into the alveoli; they branch smaller and smaller,
appearing much like a tree
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): chronic condition that occurs over time; often
the result of chronic bronchitis or repeated and severe asthma attacks; leads to destruction of
the respiratory defense mechanisms and physical structure
cilia: microscopic, hair-like projections of the epithelial cell membrane lining the upper
respiratory tract, which are constantly moving and directing the mucus and any trapped
substance toward the throat
common cold: viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that initiates the release of histamine
and prostaglandins and causes an inflammatory response
cough: reflex response to irritation in the respiratory membrane, results in expelling of forced
air through the mouth
cystic fibrosis: a hereditary disease that results in the accumulation of copious amounts of very
thick secretions in the lungs, which will eventually lead to obstruction of the airways and
destruction of the lung tissue
larynx: the vocal chords and the epiglottis, which close during swallowing to protect the lower
respiratory tract from any foreign particles
lower respiratory tract: the bronchi and the alveoli that make up the lungs; the area where gas
exchange takes place
pneumonia: inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by bacterial or viral invasion of the
tissue or by aspiration of foreign substances
pneumothorax: air in the pleural space exerting high pressure against the alveoli
respiration: the act of breathing to allow the exchange of gases, a basic process for living
things
respiratory distress syndrome (RDS): disorder found in premature neonates whose lungs have
not had time to mature and who are lacking sufficient surfactant to maintain open airways to
allow for respiration
respiratory membrane: area through which gas exchange must be made; made up of the
capillary endothelium, the capillary basement membrane, the interstitial space, the alveolar
basement membrane, the alveolar endothelium, and the surfactant layer
seasonal rhinitis: inflammation of the nasal cavity, commonly called hay fever; caused by
reaction to a specific antigen
sinuses: air-filled passages through the skull that open into the nasal passage
sinusitis: inflammation of the epithelial lining of the sinus cavities
sneeze: reflex response to irritation to receptors in the nares, results in expelling of forced air
through the nose
surfactant: lipoprotein that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, allowing them to stay open to
allow gas exchange
trachea: the main conducting airway leading into the lungs
upper respiratory tract: the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and tracheathe conducting airways
where no gas exchange occurs
ventilation: the movement of gases in and out of the lungs

Chp 54 Drugs that Affect the Upper Respiratory Tract Pg 857

antihistamines: drugs that block the release or action of histamine,a chemical released during
inflammation that increases secretions and narrows airways
antitussives: drugs that block the cough reflex
decongestants: drugs that decrease the blood flow to the upper respiratory tract and decrease
the overproduction of secretions
expectorants: drugs that increase productive cough to clear the airways
mucolytics: drugs that increase or liquefy respiratory secretions to aid the clearing of the
airways
rebound congestion: a process that occurs when the nasal passages become congested as
the effect of a decongestant drug wears off; patients tend to use more drug to decrease the
congestion, and a vicious circle of congestion, drug, and congestion develops, leading to
abuse of the decongestant; also called rhinitis medicamentosa
rhinitis medicamentosa: reflex reaction to vasoconstriction caused by decongestants; a
rebound vasodilation that often leads to prolonged overuse of decongestants; also called
rebound congestion

Chp 55 Drugs Acting on the Lower Respiratory Tract Pg 878

bronchodilator: medication used to facilitate respirations by dilating the airways; helpful in
symptomatic relief or prevention of bronchial asthma and bronchospasm associated with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CheyneStokes respiration: abnormal pattern of breathing
characterized by apneic periods followed by periods of tachypnea; may reflect delayed blood
flow through the brain
leukotriene receptor antagonists: drugs that selectively and competitively block or antagonize
receptors for the production of leukotrienes D4 and E4, components of slowreacting substance
of anaphylaxis (SRSA)
mast cell stabilizer: drug that works at the cellular level to inhibit the release of histamine
(released from mast cells in response to inflammation or irritation) and the release of slowreacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRSA)
sympathomimetics: drugs that mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system
xanthines: naturally occurring substances, including caffeine and theophylline, that have a
direct effect on the smooth muscle of the respiratory tract, both in the bronchi and in the blood
vessels

Chp 56 Introduction to the Gastrointestinal System Pg 903

bile: fluid stored in the gallbladder that contains cholesterol and bile salts; essential for the
proper breakdown and absorption of fats
chyme: contents of the stomach containing ingested food and secreted enzymes, water, and
mucus
gallstones: hard crystals formed in the gallbladder when the bile is concentrated.
gastrin: substance secreted by the stomach in response to many stimuli; stimulates the release
of hydrochloric acid from the parietal cells and pepsin from the chief cells; causes histamine
release at histamine-2 receptors to effect the release of acid
histamine-2 (H2) receptors: sites near the parietal cells of the stomach that, when stimulated,
cause the release of hydrochloric acid into the lumen of the stomach; also found near cardiac
cells
hydrochloric acid: acid released by the parietal cells of the stomach in response to gastrin
release or parasympathetic stimulation; makes the stomach contents more acidic to aid
digestion and breakdown of food products
local gastrointestinal reflex: reflex response to various stimuli that allows the GI tract local
control of its secretions and movements based on the contents or activity of the whole GI
system
nerve plexus: network of nerve fibers running through the wall of the GI tract that allows local
reflexes and control
pancreatic enzymes: digestive enzymes secreted by the exocrine pancreas, including
pancreatin and pancrelipase, which are needed for the proper digestion of fats, proteins, and
carbohydrates
peristalsis: type of GI movement that moves a food bolus forward; characterized by a
progressive wave of muscle contraction
saliva: fluid produced by the salivary glands in the mouth in response to tactile stimuli and
cerebral stimulation; contains enzymes to begin digestion, as well as water and mucus to
make the food bolus slippery and easier to swallow
segmentation: GI movement characterized by contraction of one segment of the small intestine
while the next segment is relaxed; the contracted segment then relaxes, and the relaxed
segment contracts; exposes the chyme to a vast surface area to increase absorption
swallowing: complex reflex response to a bolus in the back of the throat; allows passage of the
bolus into the esophagus and movement of ingested contents into the GI tract
vomiting: complex reflex mediated through the medulla after stimulation of the chemoreceptor
trigger zone; protective reflex to remove possibly toxic substances from the stomach

Chp 57 Drugs Affecting Gastrointestinal Secretions Pg 911

acid rebound: reflex response of the stomach to lower-than normal acid levels; when acid
levels are lowered through the use of antacids, gastrin production and secretion are increased
to return the stomach to its normal acidity
digestive enzymes: enzymes produced in the gastrointestinal tract to break down foods into
usable nutrients
GI protectant: drug that coats any injured area in the stomach to prevent further injury from
acid or pepsin
histamine-2 (H2) antagonist: drug that blocks the H2 receptor sites; used to decrease acid
production in the stomach (H2 sites are stimulated to cause the release of acid in response to
gastrin or parasympathetic stimulation)
peptic ulcer: erosion of the lining of stomach or duodenum; results from imbalance between
acid produced and the mucous protection of the GI lining or possibly from infection by
Helicobacter pylori bacteria
prostaglandin: any one of numerous tissue hormones that have local effects on various
systems and organs of the body, including vasoconstriction, vasodilation, increased or
decreased GI activity, and increased or decreased pancreatic enzyme release
proton pump inhibitor: drug that blocks the H_, K_-ATPase enzyme system on the secretory
surface of the gastric
parietal cells, thus interfering with the final step of acid production and lowering acid levels in
the stomach
Chp 58 Drugs Affecting Gastrointestinal Motility Pg 931
antidiarrheal drug: drug that blocks the stimulation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to
decreased activity and increased time for absorption of needed nutrients and water
bulk stimulant: agent that increases in bulk, frequently byosmotic pull of fluid into the feces; the
increased bulk stretches the GI wall, causing stimulation and increased GI movement
cathartic dependence: overuse of laxatives that can lead to the need for strong stimuli to
initiate movement in the intestines; local reflexes become resistant to normal stimuli after
prolonged use of harsher stimulants, leading to further laxative use
chemical stimulant: agent that stimulates the normal GI reflexes by chemically irritating the
lining of the GI wall, leading to increased activity in the GI tract
constipation: slower-than-normal evacuation of the large intestine, which can result in
increased water absorption from the feces and can lead to impaction
diarrhea: more-frequent-than-normal bowel movements, often characterized as fluid-like and
watery because not
enough time for absorption is allowed during the passage of food through the intestines
lubricant: agent that increases the viscosity of the feces, making it difficult to absorb water from
the bolus and easing movement of the bolus through the intestines