Anatomy of Lungs

Overview

• The lungs are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs located on either side of the chest (thorax).
• The trachea (windpipe) conducts inhaled air into the lungs through bronchi, which are divided into smaller bronchioles.
• The lungs are covered by a thin tissue layer called the pleura.

Main Structures

• Bronchi and Bronchioles:
  • Main passageways into the lungs.
  • Bronchi branch into smaller tubes called bronchioles.
• Alveoli:
  • Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.
  • Surrounded by capillaries for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

Function

• Gas Exchange:
  • Oxygen is taken into the body and carbon dioxide is expelled.
  • Occurs in the alveoli.
• Breathing Process:
  • Involves inhalation (intake of air) and exhalation (expulsion of air).

Surrounding Structures

• Pleura:
  • Double-layered membrane surrounding each lung.
  • Lubricates the lung surface, allowing smooth movement during breathing.
• Diaphragm:
  • Muscle at the bottom of the lungs that aids in breathing.
  • Contracts and flattens during inhalation, creating a vacuum to pull air into the lungs.

Diseases and Conditions

• Common ailments include asthma, pneumonia, and lung cancer.
• Asthma:
  • Chronic condition involving inflamed airways.
• Pneumonia:
  • Infection causing inflammation in the alveoli.
• Lung Cancer:
  • Malignant tumor in the lungs.

Importance of Lungs

• Essential for respiratory function and maintaining blood oxygen levels.
• Key role in voice production and preventing foreign particles from entering the body through the airways.

Summary

• The lungs are vital respiratory organs involved in gas exchange.
• Proper lung function is crucial for overall health and well-being.