Library · Physiology
Lung function
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The lungs exchange gases between air and blood. Oxygen enters the body, while carbon dioxide leaves. Picture an exchange station with two streams moving in opposite directions.
Air travels through the bronchi and bronchioles until it reaches the alveoli, tiny sacs surrounded by capillaries. Their thin walls bring air and blood close without mixing them directly: oxygen crosses into the blood, while carbon dioxide crosses into the alveoli to be exhaled.
In brief
The lungs' main function is gas exchange: moving oxygen from inhaled air into the blood and removing carbon dioxide from the blood so it can be exhaled. This exchange supports the delivery of oxygen to tissues.
Air travels through the bronchi and bronchioles to the alveoli, tiny sacs surrounded by capillaries. Across their thin barrier, oxygen moves into the blood while carbon dioxide moves in the opposite direction.
Sources (2)
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteHow the Lungs Work: The LungsPublished
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteHow the Lungs Work: The Respiratory SystemPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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