Lungs

Pulmones

Paired cone-shaped organs occupying the pleural cavities. The right lung has three lobes (superior, middle, inferior) and the left lung has two lobes (superior, inferior) with a cardiac notch. Each lobe is further divided into bronchopulmonary segments. The hilum on the medial surface receives the bronchi, pulmonary vessels, and nerves.

Tipo Organ
Sistema corporal Respiratory
Región corporal Thorax
Nombre latino Pulmones
FMA ID 68877

Función

The primary organs of gas exchange, allowing oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to be expelled. The total surface area of the alveoli is approximately 70 square meters, facilitating efficient gas exchange.

Significado clínico

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. Pneumonia is inflammation of the alveoli. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition.

Preguntas frecuentes

What is the function of the lungs?
The lungs are the primary organs of respiration. Their main function is gas exchange: oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream across the alveolar walls, while carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli and is exhaled. The lungs also play roles in pH regulation, filtering blood clots, and synthesizing certain hormones and surfactant.
How are the left and right lungs different?
The right lung has three lobes (upper, middle, lower) and is larger than the left lung, which has two lobes (upper, lower). The left lung is smaller because it accommodates the cardiac notch, the space occupied by the heart. The right lung is also shorter and wider due to the position of the liver beneath the right hemidiaphragm.
What is the total lung capacity?
Total lung capacity (TLC) in a healthy adult male is approximately 6 liters, with approximately 4.8 liters in females. Of this, tidal volume (normal resting breath) is about 500 mL. Vital capacity (maximum air moved in one breath) averages 4.8 liters in men and 3.1 liters in women. Residual volume (~1.2 L) remains in the lungs after maximum exhalation.

Estructuras relacionadas

muscle of larynx laryngeal muscle nasal-associated lymphoid tissue NALT nasal bone nasal bones nasal bridge nasal cartilage cartilage of nose nasal cavity respiratory epithelium nasal diverticulum false nostril nasal hair hair of nose

Aviso médico

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Educational Disclaimer

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.