Last update: Nov 13th, 2017

Introduction to Lungs Anatomy

• The soft, elastic lungs occupy most of the thoracic cavity and are protected from injury by the surrounding the sternum and rib cage.

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• Both right lung and left lung rest on the diaphragm muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

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• A large portion of each lung consists of blood vessels (arteries, veins, & capillaries) and respiratory tubes (bronchi, bronchioles, & alveolar ducts).

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• Most of the lung volume, however, is made of small clusters of alveoli. Each alveolus is a small, thin-walled, cup-shaped sac that protrudes from the smallest air ducts.

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• There are approximately 300 million alveoli in each lung, and they are the regions where gases are exchanged with nearby capillaries.

An Overview of Lung Anatomy:

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