Component IntroductionOxygen molecules have tens of thousands of pathways along the bronchioles to choose from in order to reach the 30,000 alveoli in each lung. Capillaries, or very tiny blood vessels, cover the alveoli so red blood cells can pick up the oxygen and take it to where it needs to go. Body cells use the oxygen and produce carbon dioxide in exchange. The red blood cells carry the carbon dioxide back to the alveoli so it can be exhaled back into the air.
Lung ProtectionThe lungs are an important organ in the respiratory system. They are covered with a pleural membrane. The pleural membrane is a slick layer that ensures the lungs slide smoothly to inhale and exhale. The rib cage protects the lungs because it surrounds them. The ribs are connected to the spine so they remain strong and sturdy.
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Lungs & Chit Chat
The lungs are important for breathing, but did you know that they are also important for talking? Just above the trachea is the larynx. The larynx (SAY: LAIR-inks) is also called the voice box. There are two small ridges along the larynx that are called vocal cords. Vocal cords open and close to make sounds. When air from the lungs passes by the vocal cords while they are open, they make a sound. Sounds are louder when more air passes by the vocal cords. Sounds are quieter when less air passes by the vocal cords.
Hiccups happen when the diaphragm moves in a funny way. They cause you to breathe in all of a sudden. Because it is unexpected, the air hits the vocal cords when they are not ready and the sound that comes out is called a hiccup!
Hiccups happen when the diaphragm moves in a funny way. They cause you to breathe in all of a sudden. Because it is unexpected, the air hits the vocal cords when they are not ready and the sound that comes out is called a hiccup!
Lung DiseasesLung diseases come in many different forms. Here are some examples of diseases in the lungs:
Lung Cancer 85% of lung cancer patients are long-term smokers. Treatment includes surgery and chemotherapy but lung cancer is not usually curable. Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that causes extra thick mucus to be produced. The thick mucus can cause respiratory infections. Asthma Asthma is usually caused by an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity. It causes the bronchi to spasm which makes it difficult to breathe. Tuberculosis Tuberculosis is caused by a type of bacteria. It is contagious when someone breathes in the bacteria from someone who is infected. Love your lungsLungs allow us to do so much! They let us breathe, talk to our family, shout at a soccer game, sing at a concert, laugh out loud and cry when we are sad. Lungs even work with the brain to breathe in deeper when we are exercising. Let’s love those lungs. They will thank you for it!
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Smoking CigarettesSmoking cigarettes is unhealthy for all parts of the body but it is especially unhealthy for the lungs.
Cigarette smoke damages the cilia in the trachea. This means that the cilia cannot block dirt and bacteria from reaching the lungs. Cigarette smoke also damages the walls of the alveoli. When the alveoli walls are damaged, it makes it difficult to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Finally, cigarette smoke can also destroy the cells in the spongy part of the lungs. These cells are replaced with cancer cells. Once the lungs are damaged from the chemicals in cigarette smoke, it is very difficult or impossible to repair the lungs. That is why it is important to care for the lungs. Healthy lung versus smoker's lung
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