In the lungs, oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged through a complex and ingenious masterpiece of biological processes. The lungs are a pair of vital organs that are miraculous in function and marvelous in form. Without them and the air we breathe, life as we know it would be impossible.
Description
According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, the purpose of the lungs and blood vessels linked to them is to transfer oxygen to your entire body and remove carbon dioxide and other waste gas. The lungs reside on the left and right sides of your breastbone and they fill the inside of the cavity in your chest. The left lung is somewhat smaller than the right lung so there is adequate room for your heart.
The Respiratory System
The respiratory system, including the lungs, work hand-in-hand to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. The respiratory system includes the network of airways including the nose, mouth, larynx (voice box), trachea (wind pipe) and bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes spread within your lungs and are attached with air sacs at the end called alveoli. Each of these air sacs is roofed in a network of minute blood vessels called capillaries. The capillaries join to a system of veins and arteries that transfer oxygen-rich blood through your body.
Respiratory Functions
According to information on the lungs by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, aside from the exchange of gas, the lungs serve a variety of other functions to assist with breathing. One of these functions is air temperature. The body needs to stay at about 98 degrees. When air enters the lungs it is typically cooler and needs to be warmed up. Another function is to change the moisture in inhaled air to the proper humidity.
Non-Respiratory Functions
The lungs are the place where oxygen is transferred into the bloodstream and then onto the heart, but they also serve non-respiratory functions. According to information on the lungs by the Louisiana State University School of Medicine, mucus is a type of substance that catches foreign particles which are either removed by local enzymes or removed by immunologic reactions. When germs, dust or other micro matter attempt to enter the respiratory system, coughing, sneezing or swallowing helps remove these substances.
Disease
The lungs, like any other organ, are susceptible to a variety of conditions and diseases. Some of these diseases are caused by inhaling pollutants or toxic chemicals. Others are genetic or a result of injury. Some of the most common diseases of the lungs are those caused by smoking. These include emphysema, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer. In order for your lungs to stay healthy it is advised that you stay smoke free and avoid hazardous environments that contain harmful levels of airborne toxins, pollutants or second-hand smoke.
