respiratory tract

USAGE SUMMARY

"respiratory tract" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Here is an example sentence: The flu virus commonly spreads through contact with an infected person's respiratory tract.

✓ Grammatically correct

Medicine

Biology

Health

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both irritate the respiratory tract.

The New Yorker

Respiratory tract infection - Is it contagious?

Harvard University

Autopsies indicate that the mustard paralyzes the rodent's respiratory tract.

The New York Times

Less common were respiratory tract infection and stomachache.

The New York Times

Moreover, cholera attacked the alimentary, not the respiratory, tract.

The New Yorker

We suspect he has an upper respiratory tract infection".

The Guardian

It has been known to cause respiratory tract irritation.

The New York Times

And particulates can make the respiratory tract susceptible to infection.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) commonly causes hospitalization in adults.

Nature

Ciliated cells of the human respiratory tract Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Britannica

Procalcitonin-Guided Use of Antibiotics for Lower Respiratory Tract Infection.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing infections, specify "upper respiratory tract" or "lower respiratory tract" to provide clarity on the location of the infection.

Common error

Avoid using "respiratory system" when "respiratory tract" is more appropriate. The "respiratory tract" refers specifically to the passages, while the "respiratory system" includes organs like the lungs and diaphragm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "respiratory tract" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard phrase. Ludwig examples frequently show it describing anatomical locations or sites of infection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

39%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "respiratory tract" is a very common and grammatically correct term used to describe the passages through which air enters and leaves the body. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When writing about this topic, consider specifying "upper" or "lower" to increase clarity, and avoid using "respiratory system" interchangeably, as that term encompasses more than just the air passages. Key related terms include "airway", "respiratory system", and "pulmonary system". Maintaining a healthy "respiratory tract" involves avoiding irritants and getting appropriate vaccinations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

airway

This term refers more broadly to the passages through which air travels, encompassing the entire system.

respiratory system

This term encompasses all the organs and tissues involved in breathing, including the lungs and diaphragm.

upper respiratory tract

This specifies the upper portion of the respiratory system, including the nose, sinuses, and throat.

lower respiratory tract

This specifies the lower portion of the respiratory system, including the trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

pulmonary system

This refers to the system related to the lungs and their function.

bronchial passages

This focuses specifically on the bronchi and bronchioles within the lungs.

air passages

This is a more general term for the routes air takes into and out of the body.

breathing passages

This term highlights the function of breathing rather than the anatomical structure.

respiratory organs

This emphasizes the organs involved in respiration, such as the lungs and diaphragm.

ventilatory system

This highlights the mechanism of ventilation (breathing) more than the anatomical structure itself.

FAQs

How is the term "respiratory tract" used in medical contexts?

In medical contexts, "respiratory tract" is often used to describe the location of infections (e.g., upper or lower /s/lower+respiratory+tract+infection) or the site of action for inhaled medications.

What's the difference between the "respiratory tract" and the "airway"?

While often used interchangeably, the "airway" (/s/airway) generally refers to the passage that allows air to reach the lungs, while "respiratory tract" encompasses the entire system involved in breathing.

What are some common conditions affecting the "respiratory tract"?

Common conditions include upper /s/upper+respiratory+tract infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma, all of which affect different parts of the respiratory passages.

How can I keep my "respiratory tract" healthy?

Maintaining good hydration, avoiding smoking and air pollution, and getting vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia are all important steps in keeping your "respiratory tract" healthy.