Common Word Roots for Respiratory System (Part 1)

bronchiol/o is the combining form that refers to "bronchiole". 

Bronchioles, or bronchioli, are smaller branches of the bronchial airways. The bronchioles transport air to small sacs in your lungs called alveoli.

epiglott/o is the combining form that refers to "epiglottis." 

Above the larynx, there is a small, movable "lid" called the epiglottis that keeps food and drink from getting into the windpipe.

bronch/o, bronch/i or bronchi/o is the combining form that refers to "bronchus (bronchial tube)", plural form: "bronchi". 

A bronchus is a large tube that connects to the trachea (windpipe) and directs air to the right and left lungs.

ox/i is the combining form that refers to "oxygen." 

Oxygen is necessary for the survival of our cells. As oxygen is taken in from the air, carbon dioxide is exhaled from the body through the lungs and respiratory system.

muc/o is the combining form that refers to "mucus." 

Mucus is a thick, sticky fluid produced by the membranes that line certain body parts, like the nose, mouth, throat, lungs, and vagina.

nas/o or rhin/o is the combining form that refers to "nose." 

As part of the respiratory system, the nose allows air to enter the body, filters debris, and warms and moistens the air.

alveol/o is the combining form that refers to "alveolus (plural: alveoli)". 

An alveolus is a small air sac located at the end of a bronchiole (a tiny tube of air in the lungs). During breathing, oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between the alveoli and the lungs.

capn/o is the combining form that refers to "carbon dioxide." 

Carbon dioxide is a waste gas that's exchanged for oxygen at every single cell in your body. The circulatory system transports this waste gas back to the lungs, where it is removed from the bloodstream and then exhaled.

laryng/o is the combining form that refers to "larynx." 

Larynx, or voice box, is a tube that joins your throat (pharynx) to your respiratory system. The voice box enables safety for swallowing and keeps the vocal cords protected.

lob/o is the combining form that refers to "lobe." 

A lobe is a visible anatomical division of an organ ( for example, the brain, lung, liver, and kidney ) that is visible without a microscope.