Illustration from the U.S. National Library of Medicine Environmental Health & Toxicology Information

respiratory system : organ system that carries out the process of breathing, which involves taking in oxygen to the body and getting rid of carbon dioxide

alveoli : tiny sacs in the lungs through which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place (singular: alveolus)

breathing : the mechanical process of moving air into and out of the lungs; also called ventilation

bronchi : the two main branches of the trachea (singular bronchus)

bronchioles : any of the smallest bronchial ducts; ending in alveoli

diaphragm : a large flat muscle that separates the lungs from the stomach area and that is used in breathing

exhale : to breathe out

inhale : to breath in

intercostal muscles : muscle groups that run the ribs, form the chest wall, and help with breathing through expanding and shrinking

larynx : the part of the throat that contains the vocal cords

mouth : the opening through which food passes into the body; the part of the face that includes the lips and the opening behind them

nasal passages : hollow spaces in the skull around the nose, cheeks, and forehead that act as a filtration system that leads to lower airways and act as passages for mucus drainage (also called sinuses)

respiration : the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation

trachea : a tube that conveys inhaled air from the larynx to the lungs

ventilation : the movement of air into and out of the lungs

Adapted from Human Body Systems by the National Sciences Resources Center, Vocabulary.com Respiration by Tishakov,