In this flashcard review list, you will be able to identify and expand your knowledge of combining forms and root words that are associated with the respiratory system.
alveol/o is the combining form that refers to "alveolus (plural: alveoli)".
An alveolus is a small air sac located at the end of a bronchiole (a tiny tube of air in the lungs). During breathing, oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between the alveoli and the lungs.
bronch/o, bronch/i or bronchi/o is the combining form that refers to "bronchus (bronchial tube)", plural form: "bronchi".
A bronchus is a large tube that connects to the trachea (windpipe) and directs air to the right and left lungs.
bronchiol/o is the combining form that refers to "bronchiole".
Bronchioles, or bronchioli, are smaller branches of the bronchial airways. The bronchioles transport air to small sacs in your lungs called alveoli.
capn/o is the combining form that refers to "carbon dioxide."
Carbon dioxide is a waste gas that's exchanged for oxygen at every single cell in your body. The circulatory system transports this waste gas back to the lungs, where it is removed from the bloodstream and then exhaled.
epiglott/o is the combining form that refers to "epiglottis."
Above the larynx, there is a small, movable "lid" called the epiglottis that keeps food and drink from getting into the windpipe.
laryng/o is the combining form that refers to "larynx."
Larynx, or voice box, is a tube that joins your throat (pharynx) to your respiratory system. The voice box enables safety for swallowing and keeps the vocal cords protected.
lob/o is the combining form that refers to "lobe."
A lobe is a visible anatomical division of an organ (for example, the brain, lung, liver, and kidney) that is visible without a microscope.
muc/o is the combining form that refers to "mucus."
Mucus is a thick, sticky fluid produced by the membranes that line certain body parts, like the nose, mouth, throat, lungs, and vagina.
nas/o or rhin/o is the combining form that refers to "nose."
As part of the respiratory system, the nose allows air to enter the body, filters debris, and warms and moistens the air.
ox/i is the combining form that refers to "oxygen."
Oxygen is necessary for the survival of our cells. As oxygen is taken in from the air, carbon dioxide is exhaled from the body through the lungs and respiratory system.
pharyng/o is a combining form that refers to "pharynx".
The pharynx is a part of the respiratory system as well as the digestive system. It is responsible for carrying air, food, and fluid from the nose and mouth to the stomach.
phon/o or son/o is a combining form that refers to "sound" or "voice".
In simple terms, sound is the sensation caused by vibrations that occur at frequencies between 20 and 20,000 hertz that stimulate the ear.
phren/o or diaphragmat/o is a combining form that refers to "diaphragm".
Under the lungs, the diaphragm is the most critical muscle of respiration. The muscle is large, dome-shaped, and it contracts rhythmically, repeatedly, and involuntarily most of the time.
phrenic/o is a combining form that refers to "phrenic nerve".
The phrenic nerve is a vital part of your respiratory system that facilitates breathing. Only this nerve sends signals that cause your diaphragm to expand and contract.
pleur/o is a combining form that refers to "pleura".
The pleura is a thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs and lines the chest cavity to protect and cushion them.
pulm/o, pulmon/o, pneumon/o, pneum/o or pneumat/o is a combining form that refers to "lungs" or "respiration".
The process of respiration involves the exchange of oxygen from the outside environment to the cells within tissues, as well as the removal of carbon dioxide in the opposite direction.
radi/o is a combining form that refers to "x-rays" or "ionizing radiation".
An X-ray is electromagnetic radiation capable of passing through most objects, including the human body. The images of structures inside the body are obtained by using medical x-rays. X-ray is an example of ionizing radiation.
sept/o is a combining form that refers to "septum".
A nasal septum is a cartilage and bone in the nose that separates the nasal cavity (inside your nose) into two left and right sections.
sinus/o is a combining form that refers to "sinus".
In addition to the nasal cavity, there are four pairs of air-filled spaces called paranasal sinuses. A primary function of the paranasal sinuses is to protect the body, mostly by humidifying inhaled air and facilitating immune responses.
spir/o or respir/o is a combining form that refers to "breathing".
A spirometry test is one of the most common types of tests that can be performed to assess lung function or breathing.
thorac/o is a combining form that refers to "thorax (chest cavity)"
In the body, the thorax is located between the neck and the abdomen. The thorax contains several vital organs, such as major blood vessels, the heart, and the lungs.
trache/o is a combining form that refers to "trachea"
Trachea (also called windpipe) connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi (large airways that lead to the lungs).
