The lungs are a vital organ of the human body and are responsible for respiration. They enable the absorption of oxygen from the air we breathe and the removal of carbon dioxide. The anatomy of the lungs includes the bronchi, pulmonary alveoli, and alveoli, which facilitate gas exchange. The lungs are located in the chest cavity and are well protected by the ribs and the diaphragm.
When we inhale, the lungs fill with air; when we exhale, they empty again. The two lungs are structured differently, with the right lung being larger than the left. Conditions such as asthma, COPD, or pneumonia can impair lung function.
Healthy lungs are essential for supplying the body with oxygen.
What is the structure of the lungs?
The lungs are a pair of organs. Their function is to extract oxygen from the air we breathe. They also remove carbon dioxide, the end product of the body’s metabolism.
The lungs fill nearly the entire chest cavity so they can perform their vital functions. They are connected to the upper respiratory tract and the heart. The ribs protect the lungs.
The lungs originate on either side of the trachea at the hilum of the lung (hilum pulmonis). At a bifurcation, the trachea branches into the main bronchi (bronchi principales). Together with the pulmonary veins and pulmonary arteries, the two bronchi enter the hilum.
The human body has two lungs. These are located on both sides of the chest cavity. They are separated by the mediastinum. While the left lung is divided into two lobes, the right lung has three lobes. Furthermore, the lung lobes are subdivided into 19 pulmonary segments (segmenta bronchopulmonalia). Each segment is supplied by a segmental bronchus and a segmental artery. The right lung consists of ten segments, while the left lung consists of nine segments.
The alveoli (lung sacs) play an important role in the lungs. Gas exchange takes place within them. For this reason, the alveoli are surrounded by a multitude of very fine blood vessels. A lung sac is formed in the lung by several alveoli.
© Sebastian Kaulitzki / Fotolia
How do the lungs work?
The lungs are responsible for exchanging oxygen-poor blood for blood that is rich in oxygen. During breathing, the oxygen-poor blood is enriched with vital oxygen.
When the oxygen-poor blood reaches the alveoli, it contains carbon dioxide, which must be exhaled. The uptake of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide occur via hemoglobin, which is found in the erythrocytes (red blood cells). Through the heart’s pumping action, the red blood cells travel via the lungs to the capillaries surrounding the alveoli. Gas exchange occurs directly at the boundary between the alveoli and the blood vessels.
The lungs are also important for the heart because they supply it with oxygen. If the carbon dioxide in the blood could not be exhaled by the lungs, it would lead to poisoning and death by suffocation. Find a qualified pulmonologist.
What are the most common lung diseases?
The human lungs can be affected by various diseases. These can take both acute and chronic courses. Acute lung diseases include:
- acute bronchitis, which often occurs as part of a cold
- pneumonia, in which the lung tissue becomes inflamed
- bronchopneumonia, which is the most common form of pneumonia
In addition, there are also several chronic lung diseases:
- bronchial asthma, in which the airways are chronically inflamed
- Emphysema, characterized by an abnormally high air content in the lungs, which occurs alongside irreversible destruction of lung tissue
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which is a combination of pulmonary emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis
- pulmonary fibrosis (lung parenchymal disease), in which connective tissue cells proliferate abnormally.
Particularly dangerous is pulmonary embolism, in which a pulmonary artery is narrowed or blocked by a blood clot. In the worst-case scenario, it can cause life-threatening shock.
Other lung diseases include:
- tuberculosis
- Pneumoconiosis
- Sarcoidosis
- Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
- Bronchiolitis
- Lung cancer
Risk Factors for Lung Diseases
There are several risk factors that contribute to the development of lung diseases. Common lung conditions such as COPD, asthma, and lung cancer are caused by harmful particles that enter the lungs through the air we breathe. Cigarette smoke is one of the most dangerous triggers of these diseases. Along with nicotine, it contains more than 4,000 different substances. As a result, chronic smoking can cause permanent damage to the lungs and bronchi.
However, classic pathogens such as viruses and bacteria also pose a threat to the lungs. Healthy lungs are fully capable of fending off these germs. However, if the immune system is weakened, serious illnesses such as pneumonia—caused by pneumococcal bacteria—can develop.
Another risk factor is fine particulate matter from road traffic. These extremely fine particles are inhaled and can penetrate as far as the alveoli, where they cause inflammation and coughing.
Here you can find specialists in lung cancer.
An Overview of the Lungs—Diseases Affect Breathing and Oxygen Uptake
Symptoms of Lung Diseases
How are lung diseases diagnosed?
Doctors have several options available to diagnose lung diseases. In most cases, a pulmonary function test is sufficient to diagnose COPD or asthma. By testing lung function, these diseases can be detected even before serious symptoms develop, which is extremely important. The earlier a lung disease is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.
Spirometry is used to assess lung function. This test measures and records lung and respiratory volumes, as well as airflow rates. Spirometry is the most commonly used diagnostic method in pulmonology. However, there are other procedures as well, such as:
- bronchoscopy
- computed tomography (CT)
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- pleural puncture
Conclusion
The lungs are a vital organ responsible for taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Lung function relies on efficient gas exchange within the lungs, which takes place in millions of alveoli. The structure of the lungs shows that they consist of two lobes, with the left lung being slightly smaller than the right. The lungs are well protected within the chest cavity and fill with air during inhalation, while they contract again during exhalation. Their most important function is to deliver oxygen to the blood throughout the body.
The human lungs work continuously and adapt to the body’s needs. Lung diseases can severely impair lung function and cause typical symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. Nevertheless, a healthy lifestyle can help keep the lungs healthy and fit.
Overall, it is clear that the lungs are one of the most important organs and play a central role in the entire body.
FAQ
How do the lungs work?
The lungs function by taking in oxygen from the air we breathe and releasing carbon dioxide. Gas exchange takes place in the alveoli, which are surrounded by capillaries.
What is the function of the lungs?
The lungs’ most important function is to supply the body with oxygen. At the same time, they remove carbon dioxide from the body during exhalation.
What lung diseases are there?
The most common lung diseases include COPD, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Lung cancer is also one of the serious lung diseases.
What is the structure of the lungs?
The lungs consist of two lobes, which are divided into segments. The bronchi branch out into increasingly smaller tubes all the way to the alveoli.
Where are the lungs located in the body?
The lungs are located in the chest cavity and are protected by the ribs. They are situated above the diaphragm and next to the heart.