The 7 parts of the lung: functions and characteristics.

Summary about the different parts of the human lungs, with explanations about what they do.

Throughout the day, we breathe about 21,000 times, circulating through our lungs about 8,000 liters per day.

They are continuously at work and, in fact, cannot stop, since the rest of the body's organs depend on their functioning. Not only do they oxygenate the blood, but it is also thanks to the action of the lungs that we can eliminate carbon dioxide, a waste product that is toxic for the cells.

We will now take a look at the most important parts of the lungs. we are going to look at the most important parts of the lungsbut not without first highlighting its functions.

The parts of the lung and their functions

The lungs are very important organs for the organism, since it is thanks to them that gas exchange can take place. First, by breathing in, they allow the oxygen present in the external environment to pass through and reach the blood, and then, by breathing out, they make the carbon dioxide pass from the Blood to the outside, being expelled.

The path that the air follows normally begins in the nose, although it can also be introduced through the mouth. Afterwards, the air passes through the pharynx, then to the larynx and then to the trachea, from where it will descend until it forks and enters each of the two lungs that the human body possesses.

Inside the cells metabolic reactions are carried out that require energy, which is extracted by breaking down oxygen molecules.. In turn, these oxygen molecules bind to carbon molecules, producing carbon dioxide, which is a toxic waste product for the cell. This is why respiration is doubly important, since it allows these metabolic reactions to take place and prevents them from becoming intoxicated.

But in the same way that they are the way to obtain the oxygen necessary for the organism to function, they can also be the entrance of many pathogens. This is why the respiratory tract is covered with a special mucous membrane that is capable of trapping particles from the outside, such as dust and germs.These particles, such as dust and germs, which, if not properly stopped, would seriously damage the health of the individual in general and the lung in particular.

Main parts of the lung

The lungs are two organs resembling two pinkish balloons, which occupy a large part of the thoracic cage, together with the heart. In fact, it is because of the location of the heart that the lungs are not perfectly symmetrical to each other. The left lung is slightly smaller, since, at least in most people, the cardiac organ is positioned on the left side of the rib cage.

But despite this slight deformity, which is completely natural and asymptomatic, both lungs, if healthy, play their role satisfactorily, play their role satisfactorily: to be the center of the respiratory system.. Because of this, they have special internal structures, which work together to allow gas exchange.

1. The trachea

The trachea is the respiratory tract that starts at the larynx and descends vertically to the fourth thoracic vertebra, more or less at the level of the heart.

It is not itself a part of the lungs, is not a part of the lungs, but it is fundamental in the respiratory system.It is the duct that bifurcates to allow the entry of air into both respiratory organs and, in turn, giving rise to the right and left main bronchus.

2. The lobes

The lungs are divided into well-defined sections, called lobes.. These lobes are folds in the membrane that lines the lungs, called the pleura.

These lobes have a fundamental function, since they are the ones that allow breathing to take place correctly. It is thanks to them that the lungs can expand when breathing in air.

But, as we were saying before, because of the heart, the lungs do not expand when breathing in air, because of the heart, the lungs are not symmetrical, and this also affects the number of lobes.. While the larger right lung is divided into three lobes, upper, middle and lower, the smaller left lung has only two, the lower and upper lobes.

3. The bronchi

The bronchi are extensions of the trachea, which penetrate the lungs and ensure that air reaches other lung structures. As the tracheo-bronchial duct descends, it branches even further, forming small branches called bronchi. forming small branches called bronchioles.

4. The bronchioles

The bronchioles become narrower and narrower in order to allow the exchange of gases that allow the exchange of gases that will take place at their ends, this being the end of the course.This is the end of the course.

Although small the bronchioles have a great importance, and that is why there are about 300 thousand in each lung. It is from these structures that the air will reach the next structure: the pulmonary alveoli.

5. The alveoli

The alveoli are located at the end of the bronchioles, and are made up of small sacs are made up of small air sacs where gas exchange takes place.. The wall of these structures is formed by capillaries which are related to the blood vessels, that is to say, it is the place where contact with the blood is established.

Therefore, it is in the alveoli it is in the alveoli where respiration, properly speaking, takes place.The rest of the structures of the respiratory system are responsible for getting the air to this point.

The gas exchange begins when the alveoli enrich the blood with oxygen, which passes into the bloodstream by simple diffusion through the capillary walls.

Once the oxygen is in the blood, the red blood cells reach the alveolar capillaries loaded with carbon dioxide, which has been generated as metabolic waste after the oxygen has been used up inside the cells.

In order for the red blood cells to bind to the newly arrived oxygen, they must release the carbon dioxide they are carrying.which will be collected by the alveoli and, subsequently, will be eliminated to the exterior by means of expiration.

The exchange of gases occurs uninterruptedly, and it is thanks to the alveoli that the oxygen we introduce from the outside reaches all the cells of the organism, allowing them to carry out their metabolic functions.

Moreover, it is also thanks to these structures that the alveoli it is also thanks to these structures that the carbon dioxide can be releasedbefore it intoxicates the cells.

6. The pleura

As we mentioned before, the pleura is the structure that covers the lungs, protecting its interior and having only two openings, through which the two main bronchi enter.through which the two main bronchi enter.

The pleura is formed by connective tissue, which consists of a membrane of cells whose function is to support the internal parts of the lung. This membrane is also covered by a special mucous membrane that makes the lungs lubricated.

Thanks to the pleura the lungs have structural support, as well as allowing them to expand and contract, avoiding friction with the rib cage and absorbing the impact in case of a blow to the lungs.. This keeps the bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli intact.

7. The diaphragm

Although it is not part of the lungs, the diaphragm is a very important structure for the correct functioning of the respiratory system. It is a muscle that is located below the lungs and has a shape similar to that of a dome..

This dome has the function of contracting when inhaling, preventing the lungs from having obstacles when expanding their volume. In turn, the diaphragm relaxes during expiration.

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