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what is the function and structure of the lungs

by Guiseppe Harris Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The primary function of the lung is the exchange of gases between the body and the environment. The lungs contain a series of narrowing passageways that terminate into tiny sacs called alveoli. During respiration, oxygen enters the lungs by diffusion through the capillaries surrounding each alveolar sac.

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What is the structure of lung?

The lungs are the major organs of the respiratory system, and are divided into sections, or lobes. The right lung has three lobes and is slightly larger than the left lung, which has two lobes. The lungs are separated by the mediastinum. This area contains the heart, trachea, esophagus, and many lymph nodes.

What is the basic functions of the lungs?

The main function of the lungs is the process of gas exchange called respiration (or breathing). In respiration, oxygen from incoming air enters the blood, and carbon dioxide, a waste gas from the metabolism, leaves the blood. A reduced lung function means that the ability of lungs to exchange gases is reduced.

What are the lungs made of?

The right lung is divided into three different sections, called lobes. The left lung has just two lobes. The lobes are made of sponge-like tissue that is surrounded by a membrane called pleura, which separates the lungs from the chest wall. Each lung half has its own pleura sack.

What structures are responsible for breathing process?

These vital organs of respiration inside the thorax are the site responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide....Airways and lungsthe nose.nasopharynx.larynx.trachea.bronchi.bronchioles.terminal bronchioles.

Which of the following is are the functions of the lungs quizlet?

Their purpose is to allow gas exchange - oxygen goes from the air into the blood, and carbon dioxide goes from the blood into the air. The lungs are two large organs designed to allow gas exchange (respiration).

What is the function of the lungs BBC Bitesize?

The respiratory systemStructureFunctionBronchusBranches off the trachea to bring air into the lungs. Also supported by rings of cartilage.BronchioleBranch off the bronchi.AlveoliSmall air sacs that are the site of gas exchange.LungOrgan where gas exchange occurs.8 more rows

What are lungs Class 11?

Lungs. Lungs are the primary organs of respiration in humans and other vertebrates. They are located on either side of the heart, in the thoracic cavity of the chest. Anatomically, the lungs are spongy organs with an estimates total surface area between 50 to 75 sq meters.

Why do we need lung function tests?

If you have a respiratory disorder, you may need tests to see how well your lungs are working. They also help to diagnose chronic lung illness. Some of these tests are routine for people with chronic illness such as asthma. Common lung function tests and scans include:

How to keep your lungs healthy?

While your body has a built-in system to keep your lungs healthy, there are several important things you can do every day to help reduce your risk of lung disease or to ease symptoms: Avoid secondhand smoke. Avoid the outdoors when there are high levels of air pollution or pollen.

What is the respiratory system?

The respiratory system. The lungs are the main part of the respiratory system. This system is divided into the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. The upper respiratory tract includes the: Mouth and nose. Air enters and leaves the lungs through the mouth and nostrils of the nose. Nasal cavity.

How many alveoli are there in the bronchiole?

They look like tiny grape bunches or very tiny balloons. There are about 600 million alveoli in your lungs. The small bubble shapes of the alveoli give your lungs a surprising amount of surface area — equivalent to the size of a tennis court. This means there’s plenty of room for vital oxygen to pass into your body.

What is the function of diffusion capacity?

Lung diffusion capacity. This checks how well oxygen is passed from your lungs to your blood. For this test, you may need to breathe into a tube. You may also need a blood test.

What is the trachea in the lungs?

The trachea is a tube that carries the air in and out of your lungs. Each lung has a tube called a bronchus that connects to the trachea. The trachea and bronchi airways form an upside-down “Y” in your chest. This “Y” is often called the bronchial tree. The bronchi branch off into smaller bronchi and even smaller tubes called bronchioles.

What is a marker for lung?

A marker or computer shows the how fast air is flowing and approximate lung volume. Sputum (spit) or mucus sample. Your doctor may take a swab of your mouth or throat. The sample is sent to a lab to check to see if you have a bacterial or viral infection in the throat or lungs.

Why is it important to have a lung?

Carbon dioxide is a waste product produced in many metabolic functions of the body. If your lungs were unable to blowoff carbon dioxide, it would accumulate in your body and rapidly cause significant damage.

How does the lungs regulate blood pH?

It is very important for blood to maintain an acidity, also referred to as pH, within a very narrow range. Carbon dioxide concentrations in the blood are a key factor in determining the pH of your blood. Because your lungs are responsible for regulating the amount of carbon dioxide in your body, they are directly responsible for helping to maintain the proper pH within your bloodstream. If you blood becomes too acidic, you will begin to breathe more rapidly attempting to remove excess carbon dioxide from your bloodstream. This will compensate for the low pH and bring it back to normal. If you saw the old movie, The Andromeda Strain, this element of lung physiology played an important role in solving the mystery in the film.

What is the conducting zone of the bronchi?

Starting in the windpipe, also known as the trachea, the conducting zone then breaks into the two major bronchi (one of which goes to each lung). The bronchi then divide into smaller named bronchi. These named bronchi split in to bronchioles as they go deeper in to the lungs. The bronchioles been divide further to become terminal bronchioles.

How many lungs are there?

As you are likely well aware, everyone has two lungs – a right and a left. It is not as well known that the right and left lung are not identical to each other. The lungs are large cone shaped organs which sit on either side of your heart. The apex of the lungs reach as high as your first rib, which is located approximately behind your collarbone (clavicle). The base of the lung reaches as low as the lowest rib you are able to feel under your chest.

What is the process of inhaling and exhaling air?

The process of the inhaling and exhaling air is a concept known as ventilation. The ability of oxygen and carbon dioxide to defuse into and out of the lungs is a process known as perfusion. It is necessary for both ventilation and perfusion to take place in order for the lungs to be functioning properly. There are a wide range of diseases which can limit one or both of these processes.

What are the functions of the lungs?

The primary structure is also well known, there are two of them – one on the right and one on the left. But the details of the structure and function of the lungs are somewhat more complicated. The lungs are essential organs in the respiratory system, and also play a minor role in some other bodily functions. This article will look at both the structure and function of the lungs.

What is the space between the right and left lung?

The space between the right and left lung it is an area known as the mediastinum. The mediastinum carries many important organs, including the heart.

Why does the volume of the lungs decrease when the diaphragm relaxes?

As the diaphragm relaxes and returns to its resting position, the lung volume decreases because the pressure inside the chest cavity goes up, and the lungs expel the air. The lungs are like bellows. As they expand, air is sucked in for oxygen.

What are the membranes of the lungs?

The lungs are surrounded by two membranes, known as the pulmonary pleurae. The inner layer directly lines the outer surface of the lungs, and the outer layer is attached to the inner wall of the rib cage. The space between the two membranes is filled with pleural fluid.

What is the function of surfactant?

Respiratory disease. Tips for good lung health. The most important function of the lungs is to take oxygen from the environment and transfer it to the bloodstream. Taking more than 6 million breaths per year, the lungs affect every aspect of our bodies and health.

What is the mainstem of the carina?

At the carina, the windpipe splits into two, creating two mainstem bronchi. One leads to the left lung and the other to the right lung. From there, like branches on a tree, the pipe-like bronchi split again into smaller bronchi and then even smaller bronchioles.

How does a spirometry test show how well your lungs are working?

A spirometry test can show how well the lungs are working. The lungs’ main role is to bring in air from the atmosphere and pass oxygen into the bloodstream. From there, it circulates to the rest of the body. Help is required from structures outside of the lungs in order to breathe properly.

What causes a swollen chest?

It can happen as a result of: 1 the lungs becoming stiff 2 a problem with the chest wall or breathing muscles, for example, as with idiopathic cystic fibrosis 3 a curvature of the spine 4 obesity

Why does fluid build up in the pleural cavity?

Pleural effusion: Fluid builds up in the pleural cavity, often due to cancer in or near the chest cavity. It could also be related to congestive heart failure or liver cirrhosis. Other causes include inflammation of the pleura, which may occur with an infection.

How much air does carbon dioxide take out of the lungs?

Similarly, when carbon dioxide diffuses out of the blood into the alveolar sacs, contraction of the chest muscles and diaphragm constrict the alveoli, forcing about 0.5 liters of air out of the lungs. The average adult has millions of alveoli inside each lung.

Why are alveoli present in large numbers?

These small alveoli are present in large numbers to increase the surface area available for gas exchange between the lung and the environment.

What is the function of the lungs?

The Structure and Function of Lungs. The primary function of the lung is the exchange of gases between the body and the environment. The lungs contain a series of narrowing passageways that terminate into tiny sacs called alveoli. During respiration, oxygen enters the lungs by diffusion through the capillaries surrounding each alveolar sac.

What is the name of the disease that causes shortness of breath?

Acute bronchitis: An infection of the lungs' large airways (bronchi), usually caused by a virus. Cough is the main symptom of acute bronchitis. Pulmonary fibrosis: A form of interstitial lung disease. The interstitium (walls between air sacs) become scarred, making the lungs stiff and causing shortness of breath.

What is the best way to diagnose lung cancer?

Sputum cytology: Viewing sputum under a microscope for abnormal cells can help diagnose lung cancer and other conditions. Lung biopsy: A small piece of tissue is taken from the lungs, either through bronchoscopy or surgery. Examining the biopsied tissue under a microscope can help diagnose lung conditions.

What is the genetic condition in which mucus does not clear easily from the airways?

Cystic fibrosis: A genetic condition in which mucus does not clear easily from the airways. The excess mucus causes repeated episodes of bronchitis and pneumonia throughout life. Interstitial lung disease: A collection of conditions in which the interstitium (lining between the air sacs) becomes diseased.

What is the most common test for lung problems?

Chest X-ray: An X-ray is the most common first test for lung problems. It can identify air or fluid in the chest, fluid in the lung, pneumonia, masses, foreign bodies, and other problems. Computed tomography ( CT scan ): A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed pictures of the lungs and nearby structures.

What is lung resection?

Lung resection: A diseased portion of the lung is removed through surgery. Most often, lung resection is used to treat lung cancer.

What is the name of the organ that conducts air into the lungs?

The trachea (windpipe) conducts inhaled air into the lungs through its tubular branches, called bronchi. The bronchi then divide into smaller and smaller branches (bronchioles), finally becoming microscopic. The bronchioles eventually end in clusters of microscopic air sacs called alveoli. In the alveoli, oxygen from the air is absorbed into ...

What is CPAP used for?

Continuous positive airway pressure ( CPAP ): Air pressure applied by a machine through a mask keeps the airways open. It is used at night to treat sleep apnea, but it is also helpful for some people with COPD. Lung transplant: Surgical removal of diseased lungs and replacement with organ donor lungs.

How are the medial surfaces of the lungs suspended?

They are suspended from the mediastinum by the lung root – a collection of structures entering and leaving the lungs. The medial surfaces of both lungs lie in close proximity to several mediastinal structures:

Which bronchioles are terminal?

The segmental bronchi give rise to many conducting bronchioles, which eventually lead into terminal bronchioles. Each terminal bronchiole gives off respiratory bronchioles, which feature thin walled outpocketings that extend from their lumens. These are the alveoli – the site of gaseous exchange.

How many lobes does the right lung have?

The right and left lungs do not have an identical lobular structure. The right lung has three lobes; superior, middle and inferior. The lobes are divided from each other by two fissures: Oblique fissure – Runs from the inferior border of the lung in a superoposterior direction, until it meets the posterior lung border.

What is the role of the lungs in pulmonary embolism?

The lungs are the organs of respiration. They are located in the thorax, either side of the mediastinum. The function of the lungs is to oxygenate blood. They achieve this by bringing inspired air into close contact with oxygen-poor blood in the pulmonary capillaries.

Which bronchus has a higher incidence of foreign body inhalation?

Note: The right bronchus has a higher incidence of foreign body inhalation due to its wider shape and more vertical course.

Why is the left lung smaller than the right?

The left lung is slightly smaller than the right – this is due to the presence of the heart.

Where do all the structures enter and leave the lung?

All these structures enter or leave the lung via the hilum – a wedge shaped area on its mediastinal surface.

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