👉 The lungs are vital organs of the respiratory system, primarily responsible for gas exchange between the air we breathe and the bloodstream. Composed mainly of millions of tiny, branching structures called alveoli, the lungs consist of numerous air sacs and ducts that facilitate the movement of air. When inhaled, air enters through the nose or mouth, passing through the pharynx, larynx, and trachea before reaching the bronchi, which further divide into smaller bronchioles within the lungs. These bronchioles lead to clusters of alveoli, where oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses across the thin walls of the alveoli and into the surrounding capillaries. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. The lungs' large surface area and the efficiency of gas exchange are crucial for maintaining proper oxygen levels in the blood and removing carbon dioxide, thereby supporting cellular functions and overall bodily health.
