What are the job of lungs?

Functions of Lungs

1. Gas Exchange: The primary function of the lungs is gas exchange.

* Oxygen Inhalation: During inhalation, fresh air enters the lungs through the nose or mouth. The lungs extract oxygen from the inhaled air and transport it to the bloodstream.

* Carbon Dioxide Exhalation: When we exhale, the lungs release carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, back into the air.

2. Respiratory Control: The lungs play a crucial role in regulating the respiratory process. They help maintain a proper balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.

3. Voice Production: The lungs are involved in voice production. When air passes through the vocal cords located in the larynx, it produces vibrations that create sound. The shape and size of the vocal cords, along with the movement of the surrounding structures, determine the pitch and tone of the voice.

4. Regulation of Blood pH: The lungs contribute to the regulation of blood pH levels by eliminating carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, which can lower blood pH. By releasing carbon dioxide, the lungs help maintain the appropriate pH balance in the bloodstream.

5. Filtration of Airborne Particles: The respiratory system, including the lungs, acts as a filter for the air we breathe. Tiny hairs, known as cilia, line the airways and trap inhaled particles, such as dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants. These particles are either expelled from the lungs through coughing or sneezing, or they are transported up the respiratory tract and swallowed.

6. Production of Surfactant: The lungs produce surfactant, a complex mixture of lipids and proteins that reduces surface tension at the air-liquid interface within the alveoli. Surfactant helps maintain alveolar stability during breathing, preventing the alveoli from collapsing.