Lungs

The vital organs responsible for gas exchange, allowing the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide.

The lungs are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs located in the thoracic cavity, one on either side of the heart. They play a key role in the respiratory system by facilitating the exchange of gases necessary for life. Each lung is divided into lobes; the right lung typically has three lobes while the left lung has two lobes, accommodating the space occupied by the heart.

Terminologia Anatomica

pulmones

System

Respiratory system

Function

The primary function of the lungs is to facilitate the process of respiration, which includes inhalation and exhalation. During inhalation, oxygen-rich air enters the lungs through the trachea and bronchi, reaching the alveoli, tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen passes through the walls of the alveoli into the bloodstream, where it binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells for transportation to various tissues. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product produced by metabolism, is transferred from the blood into the alveoli and expelled from the body during exhalation. This intricate process is crucial not only for supplying oxygen required for cellular functions but also for maintaining the body’s acid-base balance by regulating carbon dioxide levels.

Location

The lungs are situated in the thoracic cavity, protected by the rib cage. They extend from just above the collarbones to the diaphragm, which separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. The right lung is positioned slightly higher than the left lung due to the presence of the liver on the right side of the body. Each lung is encased in a pleural membrane, which provides a protective layer and assists in the mechanics of breathing. The lobes of the lungs are further divided into smaller sections called bronchopulmonary segments, each supplied by its own bronchus and blood vessels.

Did You Know?

The total surface area of the alveoli in the lungs is roughly the size of a tennis court, providing a vast area for gas exchange.
The left lung is smaller than the right lung to accommodate the space taken up by the heart.
An adult breathes approximately 12 to 20 times per minute, resulting in over 6 million breaths per year.
The lungs can hold about 6 liters of air, but only a portion of this is used with each breath.