What layers protect the lungs?

The lungs are protected by several layers of tissue and muscle. These layers include:

* The skin is the outermost layer of the body and provides a physical barrier against infection and injury.

* The subcutaneous tissue is a layer of fat and connective tissue that lies beneath the skin. It helps to insulate the body and protect the lungs from trauma.

* The muscles of the chest wall provide support for the lungs and help to move air in and out of the lungs.

* The pleura is a thin, double-layered membrane that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs. The pleural cavity, the space between the two layers of pleura, contains a small amount of fluid that helps to lubricate the lungs and allow them to move smoothly.

* The bronchial tree is a network of airways that carry air in and out of the lungs. The bronchial tree is lined with mucus-producing cells that help to trap dust, dirt, and other foreign particles.

* The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange takes place. The alveoli are lined with capillaries, tiny blood vessels that allow oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to diffuse out of the bloodstream.