Human Respiratory System: Structure and Function

Structure of the Lungs

• The lungs are a pair of organs located in the chest cavity
• Each lung is surrounded by a double-layered membrane called the pleura
• The outer layer is called the parietal pleura, and the inner layer is called the visceral pleura
• The space between the two layers is called the pleural cavity

Functions of the Lungs

• The primary function of the lungs is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide through the process of respiration
• The lungs take in oxygen through inhalation and release carbon dioxide through exhalation
• The lungs also filter the air we breathe, removing dust, bacteria, and other particles
• The lungs help to regulate pH levels in the body by removing excess hydrogen ions

Parts of the Lungs

• The trachea (windpipe) divides into two bronchi, one for each lung
• The bronchi further divide into smaller bronchioles, which eventually lead to the alveoli
• The alveoli are small sacs where gas exchange occurs
• The lungs also contain blood vessels, including the pulmonary arteries and veins

Lung Capacity

• The total lung capacity (TLC) is the maximum amount of air the lungs can hold
• The vital capacity (VC) is the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation
• The functional residual capacity (FRC) is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a normal exhalation

Lung Diseases and Disorders

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe
• Asthma is a condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways
• Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause inflammation and fluid buildup
• Lung cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lungs and is often caused by smoking or exposure to carcinogens

Structure of the Lungs

• Lungs are a pair of organs located in the chest cavity, surrounded by a double-layered membrane called the pleura
• Pleura consists of two layers: parietal pleura (outer) and visceral pleura (inner), with a space between them called the pleural cavity

Functions of the Lungs

• Primary function is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide through respiration
• Lungs take in oxygen through inhalation and release carbon dioxide through exhalation
• They filter the air we breathe, removing dust, bacteria, and other particles
• Lungs help regulate pH levels in the body by removing excess hydrogen ions

Parts of the Lungs

• Trachea (windpipe) divides into two bronchi, one for each lung
• Bronchi further divide into smaller bronchioles, eventually leading to alveoli
• Alveoli are small sacs where gas exchange occurs
• Lungs contain blood vessels, including pulmonary arteries and veins

Lung Capacity

• Total lung capacity (TLC) is the maximum amount of air the lungs can hold
• Vital capacity (VC) is the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation
• Functional residual capacity (FRC) is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a normal exhalation

Lung Diseases and Disorders

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe
• Asthma is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways
• Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation and fluid buildup
• Lung cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lungs, often caused by smoking or exposure to carcinogens

Learn about the structure of the lungs, including the pleura and pleural cavity, and their primary function in exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide through respiration.