The lungs are essential organs that transport oxygen from the atmosphere into the bloodstream and release carbon dioxide from the bloodstream. They are located in the chest and are made up of bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Common lung ailments include asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, and tuberculosis, which can damage the lungs' structure and impair their gas exchange functions.
2. Respiratory System Brief The lungs are one of six organs in the respiratory system. The other five organs include: nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea and bronchial tubes.
3. Functions of the Lung The lungs are essential respiration organ that is located in all breathing mammals. The lungs transport oxygen from the atmosphere into the bloodstream. Then, the lungs release carbon dioxide from the bloodstream back into the atmosphere.
4. Structure of the Lungs Theoretically, there should be a right an left lung in your chest. The left being smaller than the right lung due to the fact that there is less space in the pleural cavity because of the mass of the heart. The left lung contains only 2 lobes and the right has 3 lobes.
5. Structure of the Lungs Cont. Each lung consist of bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli.
6. Structure of the Lungs Cont. Bronchi are pipes leading from the trachea to each lung. Bronchioles are smaller and smaller branches of bronchi. Alveoli are very little small sacs at the ends of the smallest bronchioles where oxygen gets into the blood and carbon dioxide exits.
7. Structure of the Lungs Cont. The lungs are spongy because they contain air. The lungs are protected by membrane called pleural.
8. Examples of Ailments of the Lung Asthma: a disease the affects the lungs by the constriction of the bronchial airways. Can cause violent spasms of the bronchi. Maybe caused by various allergens. Emphysema: a pulmonary condition that characterized by destruction of the walls of the alveoli resulting in fewer over expanded air sacs. Can be caused by smoking and sometimes the air you breathe.
9. Examples of Ailments of the Lung cont’d Pneumonia: an inflammatory condition of the lung that can be caused by bacteria and viral infections, diseases, and chemicals. Resulting in the alveoli spaces filled with fluids. Tuberculosis (TB): an infectious disease caused by bacteria. It affects the respiratory system and causes inflammation and calcification in the lungs.
10. Visual of Healthy vs. Non Healthy Lungs The lung on the left is a healthy lung and the one the right is an unhealthy lung:
