RESPIRATORY HESI PREP UPDATED ACTUAL
CORE RESPIRATORY NURSING CONCEPTS
REVIEW 2026
◉ Trachea.
Answer: Large tube reinforced by cartilage rings that keep it from
collapsing. Connects the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs.
◉ Ventilation.
Answer: Is the movement of respiratory gases between the
atmosphere and the alveoli of the lungs → consist of two cyclic
phases: inspiration & expiration.
◉ Cellular respiration.
Answer: The use of oxygen and production of carbon dioxide by the
cells.
◉ Upper respiratory system.
Answer: Consists of the nose and nasal cavity, the sinus, pharynx,
and the portion of the larynx above the vocal cords.
◉ Lower respiratory system.
, Answer: Consists of the portion of the larynx including the vocal
cords and below, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs and alveoli.
◉ Conchae.
Answer: Bony protuberances in the nasal cavity that create
turbulent flow of air to warm it and provide more contact with the
nasal mucosa.
◉ Nasopharynx.
Answer: The upper portion of the pharynx that begins posterior to
the conchae and extends inferiorly to the soft palate.
◉ Oropharynx.
Answer: The portion of the pharynx that extends from the soft
palate to the epiglottis, shared for air and digestive substances.
◉ Laryngopharynx.
Answer: The most inferior portion of the pharynx that extends from
the tip of the epiglottis to the larynx, also a shared pathway with the
digestive tract.
◉ Thyroid cartilage.
Answer: The largest cartilage of the larynx, commonly called the
Adam's Apple.
CORE RESPIRATORY NURSING CONCEPTS
REVIEW 2026
◉ Trachea.
Answer: Large tube reinforced by cartilage rings that keep it from
collapsing. Connects the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs.
◉ Ventilation.
Answer: Is the movement of respiratory gases between the
atmosphere and the alveoli of the lungs → consist of two cyclic
phases: inspiration & expiration.
◉ Cellular respiration.
Answer: The use of oxygen and production of carbon dioxide by the
cells.
◉ Upper respiratory system.
Answer: Consists of the nose and nasal cavity, the sinus, pharynx,
and the portion of the larynx above the vocal cords.
◉ Lower respiratory system.
, Answer: Consists of the portion of the larynx including the vocal
cords and below, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs and alveoli.
◉ Conchae.
Answer: Bony protuberances in the nasal cavity that create
turbulent flow of air to warm it and provide more contact with the
nasal mucosa.
◉ Nasopharynx.
Answer: The upper portion of the pharynx that begins posterior to
the conchae and extends inferiorly to the soft palate.
◉ Oropharynx.
Answer: The portion of the pharynx that extends from the soft
palate to the epiglottis, shared for air and digestive substances.
◉ Laryngopharynx.
Answer: The most inferior portion of the pharynx that extends from
the tip of the epiglottis to the larynx, also a shared pathway with the
digestive tract.
◉ Thyroid cartilage.
Answer: The largest cartilage of the larynx, commonly called the
Adam's Apple.
