Dictionary

respiration The act of inhaling and exhaling air in order to exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide.

respiratory Having to do with respiration.

respiratory failure Inability of the lungs to perform their basic task of gas exchange, the transfer of oxygen from inhaled air into the blood and the transfer of carbon dioxide from the blood into exhaled air. Respiratory failure occurs because of the failure of the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in tiny air sacs…

respiratory papillomatosis, recurrent See laryngeal papillomatosis.

respiratory rate The number of breaths per minute or, more formally, the number of movements indicative of inspiration and expiration per unit time. In practice, the respiratory rate is usually determined by counting the number of times the chest rises or falls per minute. The aim of measuring respiratory rate is to determine whether the…

respiratory syncytial virus A virus that causes mild respiratory infections, colds, and coughs in adults and can produce severe respiratory problems, including bronchitis and pneumonia, in young children and anyone with compromised immune, cardiac, or pulmonary systems. Abbreviated RSV. RSV is spread via respiratory secretions and is highly contagious. Infections usually occur during annual community…

respiratory system The organs that are involved in breathing, including the nose, throat, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Also known as the respiratory tree.

respiratory therapy Exercises and treatments that help patients recover lung function, such as after surgery.

resting phase See interphase.

restless leg syndrome An uncomfortable (creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, twitching, tearing, aching, throbbing, prickling, or grabbing) sensation in the calves that occurs while sitting or while lying down. The result is an uncontrollable urge to relieve the uncomfortable sensation by moving the legs. Restless leg syndrome is a common cause of painful legs. The leg…

reticulocyte An immature red blood cell.

reticulocyte count The number of reticulocytes (young red blood cells) circulating in blood, usually less than 1 percent of the total number of red blood cells. Elevation of the reticulocyte count above 1 percent (reticulocytosis) is a sign of rapid red blood cell production.