HUMAN LUNGs
1. Anatomy of the Lungs :
- The human lungs are vital organs responsible for respiration.
- They are located in the thoracic cavity within the chest.
- Each lung is enclosed in a double-layered membrane called the pleura.
2. Lobes:
- The right lung has three lobes: upper, middle, and lower.
- The left lung has two lobes: upper and lower. The space for the heart in the left side reduces the number of lobes.
3. Bronchial Tree:
- The trachea branches into the right and left primary bronchi, which enter the respective lungs.
- The bronchi further divide into secondary bronchi and then into smaller bronchioles.
4. Alveoli:
- The smallest air sacs in the lungs are called alveoli.
- These are the sites of gas exchange, where oxygen is taken up by the blood and carbon dioxide is released for exhalation.
5. Function:
- The main function of the lungs is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with the bloodstream.
- Oxygen is taken in during inhalation and transported to body tissues, while carbon dioxide is removed during exhalation.
6. Respiration:
- Respiration involves two processes: external respiration (exchange of gases in the lungs) and internal respiration (exchange of gases at the cellular level).
7. Diaphragm:
- The diaphragm, a muscular sheet below the lungs, plays a crucial role in breathing.
- Contraction of the diaphragm during inhalation expands the chest cavity, allowing air to be drawn into the lungs.
8. Surfactant:
- Lungs are coated with a substance called surfactant, which reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse during exhalation.
9. Protection:
- Mucus and cilia in the respiratory tract help filter and remove particulate matter and microorganisms, protecting the lungs.
10. Diseases:
- Various lung diseases include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and lung cancer.
- Smoking is a major risk factor for many lung diseases.
11. Capacity:
- Lung capacity varies among individuals, but the average adult lung capacity is about 6 liters of air.
- Vital capacity is the maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a deep inhalation.
12. Regulation:
- Breathing rate and depth are regulated by the respiratory control center in the brainstem, responding to oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
13. Aging:
- Lung function tends to decrease with age, which can lead to reduced respiratory efficiency in elderly individuals.
14. Environmental Factors:
- Air pollution, exposure to toxins, and occupational hazards can impact lung health.
DIAGRAM OF LUNGS
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