What is the purpose of pulmonary system?
Pulmonary system
The pulmonary system is responsible for gas exchange, which is the process by which oxygen is taken up by the body and carbon dioxide is released. The system is made up of the lungs, which are two large, spongy organs located in the chest cavity, and the airways, which are a series of tubes that connect the lungs to the nose and mouth.
The lungs are composed of millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli. The alveoli are lined with capillaries, which are small blood vessels. Oxygen from the air diffuses across the alveoli and into the capillaries, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the capillaries into the alveoli. The oxygen-rich blood is then pumped by the heart to the rest of the body, while the carbon dioxide-rich blood is pumped to the lungs to be exhaled.
The airways are lined with mucus-producing cells. The mucus helps to trap dust, pollen, and other particles from the air before they can reach the lungs. The airways are also lined with cilia, which are tiny hairs that help to move the mucus up and out of the lungs.
The pulmonary system is essential for life. Without it, the body would not be able to get the oxygen it needs to function properly, and it would not be able to release the carbon dioxide that is a waste product of metabolism.
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