Respiratory System Terminology

adjective not inherent or essential; acquired or occurring by chance

• The adventitious roots of the plant help it absorb nutrients from the surrounding soil.
• The plant's adventitious roots are pretty cool - they grow above ground!
• I heard that the tree has some crazy adventitious roots going on.
• His success was adventitious, as he stumbled upon the opportunity by chance.

noun a sign (ʻ) placed over a vowel to indicate that it is pronounced with aspiration or is long or high-toned

verb to pronounce with an audible puff of breath

adjective relating to or denoting a speech sound produced with an audible puff of breath

• The doctor used a syringe to aspirate the fluid from the patient's lungs.
• I had to aspirate the clogged sink with a plunger.
• I hate when I accidentally aspirate water while swimming.
• She tried to aspirate all negativity from her life by surrounding herself with positive people.

verb to block or fill with an excessive amount of something, causing overcrowding or obstruction

• The city's traffic congestion has been a major issue for years.
• I avoid driving during rush hour to steer clear of the congestion.
• The highway was totally clogged up with cars, it was a real mess.
• Her mind was so congested with worries that she couldn't focus on anything else.

noun a sudden blocking of an artery or vein by a clot or foreign material which has been brought to the site of blockage by the blood current

• The patient was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism after experiencing sudden shortness of breath.
• My aunt had to go to the hospital because of an embolism in her leg.
• I heard that guy had a blood clot that turned into an embolism.
• The corruption in the government can be seen as an embolism in the system.

noun a slimy substance, typically found in the nose and throat, that helps to protect and lubricate the mucous membranes

• The mucus lining in the respiratory tract helps to trap and remove bacteria and other particles.
• I hate it when I have a runny nose and the mucus just won't stop flowing.
• I can't believe he sneezed and got mucus all over his shirt.
• The corruption in the government is like a thick layer of mucus, difficult to remove and constantly causing problems.

noun a passage in the nose through which air passes during breathing

• The doctor examined her nostrils to check for any signs of infection.
• I can't breathe properly because my left nostril is blocked.
• I accidentally inhaled water and it came out of my nostril!
• His keen sense of smell was like having an extra nostril for detecting danger.

noun something that occludes or closes up

adjective relating to or causing occlusion, especially of a blood vessel

• The doctor recommended using an occlusive dressing to promote healing of the wound.
• You should try using an occlusive bandage to cover the cut.
• I heard that using an occlusive patch can help with dry skin.
• His closed-minded attitude acted as an occlusive barrier to new ideas.

noun a thick, sticky substance produced by the mucous membranes in the respiratory system, typically as a result of infection or irritation

• The doctor explained that phlegm is a thick, mucus-like substance produced by the respiratory system.
• I hate it when I have to cough up phlegm when I'm sick.
• I can't stand the feeling of all that phlegm in my throat.
• His words were like phlegm, thick and hard to swallow.

noun a condition of being stifled or suppressed

verb to kill someone by covering their face so that they cannot breathe, or to die in this way

• The mother decided to smother her child with kisses before bedtime.
• I can't believe she tried to smother her fries in ketchup!
• He was so annoying, I wanted to smother him with a pillow.
• The overwhelming workload seemed to smother her creativity.

noun a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body

• Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs.
• I heard that John was diagnosed with tuberculosis, but he's getting treatment for it.
• Tuberculosis is no joke, make sure to take care of yourself and get checked regularly.
• The spread of misinformation is like a silent tuberculosis, slowly infecting the minds of many.

noun tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place

• The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange takes place.
• When you breathe in, the alveoli help to transfer oxygen into your bloodstream.
• I heard smoking can really damage your alveoli.
• The alveoli of society are the individuals who contribute to its overall health and well-being.

noun a syndrome affecting the lungs and breathing

• The patient was diagnosed with adult respiratory distress syndrome after experiencing severe lung damage.
• My aunt had to be put on a ventilator because of adult respiratory distress syndrome.
• I heard that ARDS is no joke, it can really mess up your lungs.
• Dealing with all these problems at once felt like I was suffocating from adult respiratory distress syndrome.