Pulmonary System: Anatomy, Function, and Diseases

The respiratory system, also known as the pulmonary system, consists of all organs involved with breathing. The organs included are the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. The respiratory system does two very important things. First, it brings oxygen into our bodies. We need oxygen for our cells to function properly. Secondly, it helps our bodies get rid of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a waste product of cellular function. The nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi work like a system of pipes that bring air into the lungs.

Air enters through your nose or mouth. It travels through your throat to the larynx (your voice box) and to your trachea (or windpipe) before it enters into your lungs.

The main function of the trachea is to provide air flow to and from the lungs. The trachea is a tube about 10 cm long and 20 mm in diameter. It starts at the larynx and runs to just below the sternum, where it divides into the left and right bronchi of the lungs. The lungs are cone-shaped organs that takes up the most space in our chest. The main function is to take oxygen into the body and helps us get rid of the waste carbon dioxide. We have two lungs. One on the left and one on the right side. They are divided into lobes. The right side has three lobes and the left has two lobes because the heart takes up some of the space. So the right side lung is larger than the left.

Two diseases associated with the respiratory system are pneumonia and mesothelioma. Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be mild or so severe that you have to go to the hospital. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or chemical irritants. It is a serious infection or inflammation in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid. It can make it hard for you to breathe in enough oxygen to reach your bloodstream. Your body has a thin membrane that covers and even provides lubrication to different cavities within the body. This membrane is called the mesothelioma.

Exposure to asbestos can lead to cancer in this lining, which is known as mesothelioma. The cause of mesothelioma is almost always due to exposure to asbestos (a naturally occurring mineral). Throughout the 20th century, it became very popular because it was extremely resistant to heat and was great for insulating various types of materials. It was used for a number of different things ranging from brake pads in cars to the insulation used in commercial and residential buildings and homes. The respiratory system is an important system that makes up our body. It is important you take care of this system by being aware of what you are breathing, Also, washing hands to keep away germs.

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