diaphragm

A large, dome-shaped muscle that plays an important role in breathing.

cilia
Tiny hair-like extensions of cells that can move together like whips.

bronchitis
An irritation of the breathing passages in which the small passages become narrower than normal and may be clogged with mucus.

asthma
A disorder in which the respiratory passages narrow significantly.

diffusion
The process by which molecules move from an area in which they are less concentrated, from high pressure to low pressure.

capillary (pl. capillaries)

A tiny blood vessel where substances are exchanged between the blood and the body cells. Its wall is one cell thick which makes it easy for gas exchange to take place.

epiglottis
A flap of tissue that seals off the windpipe and prevents food from entering.

larynx
The voice box, located in the top part of trachea, underneath the epiglottis.

mucus
A thick, slippery substance produced by the body.

hemoglobin
An iron-containing protein that binds chemically to oxygen molecules and makes up most of red blood cells.

reflex
An automatic response that occurs very rapidly and without conscious control.

pharynx
The throat; part of both the respiratory and digestive systems.

respiration
The process in which oxygen and glucose undergo a complex series of chemical reactions inside cells.

trachea
The windpipe; a passage through which air moves in the respiratory system.

vaccination
The process by which harmless antigens are deliberately introduced into a persons body to produce active immunity.

vaccine (pl. vaccines)

A substance used in a vaccination that consists of pathogens that have been weakened or killed but can still trigger the immune system into action.

pleura

The delicate membrane that lines the ribcage and is folded back over the surface of the lung.

bronchiole (pl. bronchioli)

A thin-walled branch of bronchus that conducts air to the alveoli.

inflate
To fill with air or gas so as to make it swell.

deflate
To release air or gas.

lungs
The main organs of the respiratory system. Your lungs are a pair of large sponge-like organs that almost fill your chest cavity. Your left lung is slightly smaller than your right lung, to make space for your heart. The right lung has 3 lobes while the left lung has 2 lobes.

lymph node
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands throughout the body. They are part of the lymphatic system, which carries fluid (lymph fluid), nutrients, and waste material between the body tissues and the bloodstream. The lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system, the body's defense system against disease. The lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it flows through them, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, which are then destroyed by special white blood cells called lymphocytes.

to breathe(v)
To inhale and exhale air.

breath (n)

An act of breathing where air is inhaled and exhaled.

T cell
A lymphocyte that identifies pathogens and distinguishes one pathogen from the other.

lymphocyte
A small white blood cell (leukocyte) that plays a large role in defending the body against disease. Lymphocytes are responsible for immune responses. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells. The B cells make antibodies that attack bacteria and toxins while the T cells attack body cells themselves when they have been taken over by viruses or have become cancerous.

carbon monoxide (CO)

A colorless, odorless and toxic gas produced when substances, including tobacco, are burned. It is present in exhaust fumes. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home.

infectious disease
A disease that can pass from one organism to another.

passive smoking
The involuntary inhalation of smoke from other peoples cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.

red blood cell

A cell in the blood that takes up oxygen in the lungs and delivers it to cells elsewhere in the body.

white blood cell

A blood cell that fights disease. See lymphocytes.

gas exchange

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

to compress
To reduce or make smaller in size.

to expand
to make greater or bigger in size.

to relax
to loosen, rest, or alleviate

to contract
to become smaller in size (shrink, compress, decrease)

alveolus (pl. alveoli)

Tiny sacs of lung tissue specialized for the movement of gasses between the air and the blood.

bronchus (pl. bronchi)

The passages that branch from the trachea and direct air into the lungs.

pathogen

(pl. pathogens)
An organism that causes disease.

emphysema
A serious disease that destroys lung tissue and causes difficulty in breathing.

antibodies

Antibodies are proteins that are found in blood or other bodily fluids, and are used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects, such as bacteria and viruses.

virus (pl. viruses) (adj. viral)

Viruses are tiny organisms that may lead to mild to severe illnesses in humans. This may include the flu or a cold to something more life threatening like HIV/AIDS
.

cartilage
A connective tissue that is more flexible than bone and that gives support to some parts of the body.