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Lungs

Pulmones

Paired cone-shaped organs occupying the pleural cavities, the lungs are the primary sites of gas exchange, admitting oxygen into the blood and expelling carbon dioxide across an alveolar surface of roughly 70 square meters. The right lung has three lobes, superior, middle, and inferior, and the left has two, superior and inferior, with a cardiac notch that accommodates the heart; each lobe divides further into bronchopulmonary segments. On the medial surface, the hilum receives the bronchi, pulmonary vessels, and nerves. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, and pneumonia is inflammation of the alveoli. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease encompasses emphysema and chronic bronchitis, while pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening obstruction of the pulmonary circulation.

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.

On this page
Type Organ
Body System Respiratory
Body Region Thorax
Latin Name Pulmones
FMA ID 68877

Function

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.

Clinical Significance

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:68877 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. Wikipedia — Lungs Encyclopedia article (verified cross-reference)

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

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