Introduction

The lung has two essential, interdependent functions. One function is ventilationperfusion matching to deliver oxygen to the body and to remove carbon dioxide that is
produced by the body. The second function is host defense against the onslaught of airborne
pathogens, chemicals, and particulates. These essential functions are emphasized through the
gross, subgross, histologic, and ultrastructural determinants of respiratory gas exchange in the
normal human lung. Secondary functions of the lung also are important, such as surfactant
synthesis, secretion, and recycling, mucociliary clearance, neuroendocrine signaling and
synthesis and secretion of a myriad of molecules by its epithelial and endothelial cells. The
diversity of secondary functions emphasizes the importance of the lung in homeostasis.

Function Of The Lungs

Adults typically take 15 to 20 breaths a minute, which comes to around 20,000 breaths
a day. Though breathing seems simple, it is a very complex process. 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
lunges from the chest wall. Each lung half has its own pleura sack. This is why, when one
lung is punctured, the other can go on working.
The lungs are like bellows. When they expand, they pull air into the body. When they
compress, they expel carbon dioxide, a waste gas that bodies produce. Lungs do not have
muscles to pump air in and out, though. The diaphragm and rib cage essentially pump the
lungs. As a person breathes, air travels down the throat and into the trachea, also known as the
windpipe. The trachea divides into smaller passages called the bronchial tubes. The bronchial
tubes go into each lung. The bronchial tubes branch out into smaller subdivisions throughout
each side of the lung. The smallest branches are called bronchioles and each bronchiole has an
air sac, also called an alveoli.
The alveoli have many capillary veins in their walls. Oxygen passes through the
alveoli, into the capillaries and into the blood. It is carried to the heart and then pumped
throughout the body to the tissues and organs. As oxygen is going into the bloodstream,
carbon dioxide passes from the blood into the alveoli and then makes its journey out of the

body. This process is called gas exchange. When a person breathes shallowly, carbon dioxide
accumulates inside the body.
The lungs have a special way to protect themselves. Cilia, which look like a coating of
very small hairs, line the bronchial tubes. The cilia wave back and forth spreading mucus into
the throat so that it can be dispelled by the body. Mucus cleans out the lungs and rids them of
dust, germs and any other unwanted items that may end up in the lungs.

Diseases Of The Lungs

The lungs can have a wide range of problems that can stem from genetics, bad habits,
an unhealthy diet and viruses. First of diseases is Athma. Asthma also called reactive airway
disease before a diagnosis of asthma, is a lung disease where the air passageways in the lungs
become inflamed and narrowed, making it hard to breath. Secondly is lung cancer. Lung
cancer is cancer that originates in the lungs. Symptoms of cancer include coughing up blood,
a cough that doesn't go away, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, headaches,
hoarseness, weight loss and bone pain.
Next, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is long-term lung disease that
prevents a person from breathing properly due to excess mucus or the degeneration of the
lungs. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are considered COPD diseases. Sometimes, those
with COPD get lung transplants, replacement lungs garnered from organ donors, to save their
lives. Lastly, is lung infection. Lung infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, are usually
caused by viruses, but can also be caused by fungal organisms or bacteria. Some severe or
chronic lung infections can cause fluid in the lungs and other symptoms such as swollen
lymph nodes, coughing up blood and a persistent fever. Being overweight can also affect the
lungs. Being overweight does adversely affect the lungs because it increases the work and
energy expenditure to breath.

Reference
Seeley Stephent Tate. 2008. Eighth Edition :Anatomy & Phsiology. McGraw-Hill.
Marc Thiriet. 2013. Anatomy and Physiology of the Circulatory and Ventilatory Systems.
University Pierre Et Marie Curie, France.

Chris Hayhurst. 2001. The Lungs. Learning How We Breathe. Colorado State University.