respiratory tract
Definition
Noun: The system of organs and tubes involved in breathing, specifically the passages that carry air from the nose and mouth into the lungs and back out. It is the anatomical pathway for respiration.
Usage
The term "respiratory tract" is used in medical, biological, and general health contexts to refer to the entire air passageway system. It is typically modified by adjectives like "upper" or "lower" to specify particular sections. * The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract. * Smoking can cause significant damage to the entire respiratory tract. * The doctor explained how pollutants irritate the lining of the respiratory tract.
Advanced Usage
- Upper respiratory tract (URT): This refers to the parts outside the chest cavity, including the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx.
- Influenza often begins with upper respiratory tract symptoms like a sore throat.
- Lower respiratory tract (LRT): This refers to the parts within the chest, including the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli of the lungs.
- Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lower respiratory tract.
Variants and Related Words
- Airway: A more general term for any passage through which air reaches the lungs; often used interchangeably with parts of the respiratory tract.
- Respiratory system: A broader term that includes the respiratory tract the structures used for breathing, such as the diaphragm and chest muscles.
Synonyms
- Air passages
- Breathing passages
Related Phrases and Terms
- Respiratory tract infection (RTI): A common term for any infection of the air passages.
- Hospitals see more cases of respiratory tract infections during the winter.
- Mucosa of the respiratory tract: Refers to the mucous membrane lining the airways.
- The mucosa helps trap dust and pathogens before they reach the lungs.
Noun
-
the passages through which air enters and leaves the body
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