Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy - Glossary

Trachea: The airway that leads from the larynx to the lungs. Also called the windpipe.

Esophagus: The muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach.

Stomach: A muscular pouch that helps in the digestion of food by mixing it with digestive juices and churning it into a thin liquid.

Saliva: The watery fluid secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands that are in the mouth. It keeps the mouth moist, lubricates food to aid in swallowing, makes it possible to taste food, and contains digestive enzyme (a protein that begins the breakdown of food).

Bronchi: The large air passages that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs.

Lungs: The two organs of respiration that bring air and blood into close contact so that oxygen can be added to and carbon dioxide removed from the blood.

Infection: Invasion of the body by agents (bacteria, viruses or fungi) that cause disease or tissue damage.

Edema: Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.

Paralysis: Complete or partial inability to move a part of the body.

Vocal cords: Two small bands of muscle within the larynx that vibrate to produce the voice.

Tumor: A location where cells in the body multiply at an increased rate. Some tumors are benign (not cancerous), others are malignant (cancerous).

Trauma: The process or event leading to an injury or wound.

Pneumonia: An inflammatory infection that occurs in the lung.

Bronchitis: Inflammation (swelling and reddening) of the bronchi.