The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system in humans. They function to transport oxygen from the atmosphere into the bloodstream and release carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into the atmosphere.
- Located in the thoracic cavity, protected by the rib cage
- Right lung has 3 lobes, left lung has 2 lobes
- Covered by a thin tissue layer called the pleura
- Contain approximately 1,500 miles of airways
- Have a total surface area of about 70 square meters
The lungs facilitate gas exchange through a process called respiration. Oxygen from inhaled air passes through the alveoli walls into the blood, while carbon dioxide passes from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.