The document summarizes the structure and function of the lungs. It describes that the lungs are part of the respiratory system and are responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide. The lungs contain bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli where gas exchange occurs. Various lung diseases and conditions are also outlined such as lung cancer, silicosis, asthma, pneumonia and COPD. Tips for maintaining healthy lungs include not smoking, exercise, and a healthy diet.

1. The LungsBy: Cassandra FoxBio 1206/14/2010

2. Lungs introductionThe lungs are part of our respiratory system along with the trachea, bronchioles, nasal cavity, larynx and the pharynx. Without our respiratory system our bodies would not be able to breathe in the oxygen we need to live.

3. Lung structureThe major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles, and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

4. Lungs functionsYour lungs, as part of the respiratory system work to bring oxygen into the body and exhale waste gases such as carbon dioxide out of the body. As this takes place your lungs expand and decrease in size.

5. Where does the oxygen go?The blood cells that circulate through tiny blood vessels near the lungs pick up oxygen and carry it around the body to the sites of respiration. The oxygen will soon react with glucose to produce energy that our bodies need.

6. Location of your lungsThe base of your lungs rests on the diaphragm. The diaphragm separates the lungs and heart from the organs in your abdomen.As the background picture shows your lungs are enclosed within your rib cage. They are protected by the breast bone, back bone as well as the rib cage.

7. Lung CancerLung cancer, like all cancers is a disease that disrupts the DNA in your body’s cells. There are many different causes that can cause lung cancer; smoking, air pollution, and radon gas etc. There are two types, small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, These are determined by the appearance of the tumor cells.

8. SilicosisSilicosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhaling silica dust.Three types of silicosis exist; simple chronic, accelerated and acute silicosis. It can be detected by eithera chest x-ray, pulmonary function tests purified protein derivative or a skin test. The outcome varies on theamount of damage to the lungs.

9. Other lung diseases & problemsAsthma– is a chronic, ongoing lung disease linked to acute flare-ups or attacks of difficulty with breathing.Pneumonia - is a general term for a wide variety of conditions that cause an inflammation of the lungs. Bronchitis – is an inflammation of the air passages within the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis – is hardening or scarring of lung tissue because of excess collagen.COPD– is a chronic, ongoing, progressive disease of the lower respiratory tract in the lungs.Cystic fibrosis – is a chronic, progressive and debilitating disease that affects the lungs, intestines, liver, and pancreas.Mesothelioma– is a relatively rare cancer, that is usually associated with asbestos. Tuberculosis– is a bacteria that usually causes disease in the lung.Collapsed lung – is a condition where all or part of the lung collapses or deflates due to the space between the lung and the chest cavity becoming filled with air.Lung abscess – is having pus in the lung.Respiratory infections – is any infection that occurs to the respiratory system.

10. How to keep your lungs healthyDon’t smoke anything.Maintain a healthy diet.Try to exercise regularly.Being immunized can lower your risk of contracting a lung condition.Use a humidifier to help keep your home as free of irritants and germs as possible.

11. Interesting lung facts & statistics123,013 people died from chronic pulmonary disease each year in the US 2001Three types of silicosis exist; simple chronic, accelerated and acute silicosis. Your left lung is smaller than your right due to your heart sitting more or less in the center, having part of it bulging on to your left side causing that lung to be smaller.Each person takes approximately 22,000 breaths every 24 hours.You have 1500 miles of airways. (wow)

12. The End