Tracheostomy

[A][B][D][E][L][P][R][T][U][V][W]


A

Alveoli

Very small air sacs where gas exchange takes place. The capillaries are blood vessels that are imbedded in the walls of the alveoli. The blood gives up carbon dioxide into the alveoli and takes up oxygen from the air in the alveoli.

See also: lungs


B

Brands of Trach Tubes

Three common brands of trach tubes vary by rigidity

  • Jackson (made of metal)
  • Shiley (made of polyvinyl chloride)
  • Bivona (made of silicone)


Bronchi (Tubes)

Two main tubes into the lung that divide from the trachea. The Bronchi subdivide into the five lobes of the lung - three on the right and two on the left. They subdivide into smaller and smaller branches.


Bronchioles

The smallest subdivisions of the bronchi, at the end of which are the alveoli.


D

Diaphragm

The strong wall of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. By moving downwards, it creates suction to draw in air and expand the lungs.


E

Epiglottis

A flap of tissue that graurds the entrance to the trachea to protect the lungs. It closes when anything is swallowed to prevent food or fluid from entering the lungs.


Esophagus

The passage leading from the mouth and throat to the stomach.


L

Larnyx

Contains two vocal cords. Air moving through the larnyx creates voice sounds. The vocal cords close to prevent food and fluid from entering the trachea and lungs during swallowing and permit the passage of air during breathing.


Lower Respiratory System

The lower respiratory system consists of the parts inside the chest or thoracic cavity including:

  • bronchi
  • bronchioles
  • alveoli
  • lungs
  • pleura
  • diaphragm
  • ribs


Lungs

Elastic organs with sponge like tissue. Inhalation requires active effort, whereas exhalation occurs automatically. The right lung is divided into three lobes and the left is divided into two lobes.


P

Pharnyx

A funnel-shaped passageway that collects incoming air from the nose and mouth and passes it downward to the trachea (windpipe). The tonsils and uvula are in this area. Food also passes through this area in the act of swallowing.


Pleura

The two membranes (actually one continuous membrane folded in on itself) that surround each lobe of the lungs and separate the liungs from the chest wall. The pleural space is the space between the two pleura.


R

Ribs

Bones separating and protecting the chest cavity. They move to a limited degree, helping the lungs to expand and contract.


T

Throat

see Pharnyx.


Trachea

A rigid tube leading from the pharynx to the lungs.


Tracheostomy

A sugical opening in the trachea which bypasses the nose and mouth.


Tracheostomy Tube

A tracheostomy (trach) tube is a curved tube which is inserted into a traceostomy stoma.

All tracheostomy tubes have similar parts including the:

  • Tube or cannula - the part that goes in the stoma
  • Adaptor - Universal size to allow connection of respiratory equipment
  • Flange - Place to connect the ties
  • Obturator - guide used during trach tube change


U

Upper Respiratory System

The Upper Respiratory System consists of the parts outside the chest cavity including:

  • nasal passages and cavities
  • pharynx
  • epiglottis
  • larynx
  • esophagus
  • trachea


V

Voice Box

see larnyx


W

Windpipe

see trachea


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