Basic Introduction To Lungs

In this, we will learn more about the structure, location, function, what happens in case of lung damage, and how we can keep our lungs healthy…

1. What Are Lungs?

The lungs are two spongy, air-filled organs on either side of the chest (thorax). The lungs play a crucial role in the body’s respiratory system, the collection of organs and tissues responsible for airflow into and out of the lungs.
Left Lung: Two lobes comprise the left lung: the superior and the inner. Your left lung is smaller than your right because the center lobe of your left lung is occupied by your heart. The cardiac notch (where your heart fits) and the lingula, an extension of the superior lobe, are specific to your left lung.
Right Lung: The right lung comprises three lobes: superior, middle, and inferior. It is both shorter and broader than your left lung. Both of your lungs are protected by a lining known as pleural tissue.

2. How Do Lungs Look, And Where Are They Present?

The lungs are positioned in the chest, and the thoracic cavity is the compartment that holds them. The diaphragm muscle supports the lungs. The colour of healthy lungs is pinkish-gray. An average lung in an adult human weigh approximately 2.2 pounds and is about 9 inches long when breathing normally and 10.5 inches when fully extended.

3. What Are The Significant Functions Of The Lungs?

Gases Exchange: The lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the surrounding environment. The lungs absorb oxygen from the air we breathe and carry it to the bloodstream, which is transmitted to the rest of the body. Carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, is taken from the bloodstream and exhaled from the lungs simultaneously.
Regulation of pH: The lungs contribute to the body’s acid-base balance or pH level. Carbon dioxide is an acidic gas that is produced by biological metabolism. The lungs help to keep the blood from getting overly acidic by eliminating carbon dioxide from the body.
Help in immune or defence mechanism: The lungs play an essential part in the body’s protection against infection and disease. They contain specific immune cells that aid in identifying and eliminating infections that enter the body via the respiratory system.
Help in producing sound: The lungs also help to make the sound for speaking and other forms of communication. The vibrations produced by air travelling through the vocal cords in the lungs create sound waves, which are subsequently moulded by the mouth and other structures of the vocal tract.

4. What Happens If The Lungs Not Working Properly?

The body’s ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and our blood can be compromised if the lungs are not functioning correctly. This can have a variety of severe health implications, including: