Respiratory Function Glossary

whispered sound heard loudly and clearly upon thoracic auscultation

continuous musical sound associated with airway narrowing or partial obstruction

movement of air in and out of the airway

volume of air inspired and expired with each breath during normal breathing

abnormal rapid respirations

continuous high-pitched, musical sound heard on inspiration, best heard over the neck; may be heard without use of stethoscope, secondary to upper airway obstruction

deep, low-pitched snoring sound associated with partial airway obstruction, heard on chest auscultation

gas exchange between atmosphere air and the blood and between the blood and cells of the body

blood flow through the pulmonary vasculature

exchange of gas molecule from areas of high concentration to kow concentration

the portion of the tracheobronchial tree that does jot participate in gas exchange

percentage of hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen

shortness of breath when lying flat; relieved by sitting or standing

temporary absence of breathing during sleep secondary to transient upper airway obstruction

deacrease in oxygen supply to the tissues and cells

expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract

vibrations of speech felt as tremors of the chest wall during palpation

abnormal change in tone of voice that is heard when auscultating the lungs

subjective experience that describes an uncomfortable or painful breathing sensation when either at rest or while walking or climbing stairs; also commonly referred to as shortness of breath.

non-musical, discontinuous popping sounds during inspiration caused by delayed reopening of the airways head on chest auscultation

measure of the force required to expand or inflate the lungs

short, fine hairs that provide a constant whipping motion that serves to propel mucus and foreign substances away from the lungs towards the larynx

direct examination of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi using an endoscope

abnormal increase in clarity of transmitted voice sounds heard when auscultating the kungs

temporary cessation of breath