In this Article

• What are the lungs?
• What does breathing accomplish?
• What is the structure of the respiratory system?
• How is air moved into and out of the lungs during respiration?
• How does gas exchange occur?
• What are other important events during the breathing cycle?
• Lungs Design And Purpose At A Glance
• Lungs Design And Purpose Glossary
• Lungs Design And Purpose Index

What are other important events during the breathing cycle?

Outside air needs to be heated and moistened to match the body's temperature and humidity. As air passes down the tracheobronchial tree, it is warmed and water is added. Contaminants must also be removed. Nose hairs and tiny microscopic hairs called cilia, along with sticky mucus produced by the lining membrane help cleanse the air of impurities. Cilia beat in a synchronized fashion brushing any collected dirt and mucus up toward the mouth. The accumulated material is then coughed out or swallowed. By the time the air reaches the alveoli, it is virtually sterile. Amazingly, all of the above is occurring naturally while you are reading this information!

Lungs Design And Purpose At A Glance

• The lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood.
  
  
• The tracheobronchial tree is the passage way from the mouth to the interior of the lung.
  
  
• Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli deep in the lungs.
  
  
• Breathing air in (inhalation) requires muscular effort.
  
  
• Air is warmed, humidified, and cleaned by the nose and lungs.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• ephedrine-oral - Consumer information about the medication EPHEDRINE - ORAL , includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug EPHEDRINE - ORAL.
• Chest X-ray - A chest x-ray is a radiology test that involves exposing the chest briefly to radiation to produce an image of the chest and the internal organs of the chest. chest x-ray can be used to define abnormalities of the lungs such as excessive fluid, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, cysts, and cancers.
• Pneumonia - Learn pneumonia symptoms, causes, treatment, signs, diagnosis and types: viral and bacterial (Pneumocystis carinii, Klebsiella, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia pneumoniae).

Read more Lungs Design And Purpose related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Stem Cells Repair Acute Lung Injury in Mice
• Immune Cells Offer Hope for Injured Lungs
• Soy in the Diet May Protect Lung Function
• Lung CT Scans Produce False Alarms