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Lungs
Lungs
The human
body has two lungs located in the side cavities of the chest. The lungs
are separated from each other by the mediastinum. The lungs are
covered with pleura. They are conical in shape. Each lung has a base, an
apex, two borders, and three surfaces.
The two lungs are not equal in size. The right lung is divided into three
lobes and is a bit larger. The left lung is divided into two lobes.
Each lobe is divided into lobules that are separated from each other by
connective tissue. The primary bronchi divide into secondary bronchi as
they enter their respective lungs.
The secondary bronchi give rise to tertiary bronchi, which extend to the
lobules.
Each lung is surrounded by a separate pleural cavity. Each pleural cavity
is lined with a serous membrane. This membrane is called the parietal
pleura.
The pleural cavity is filled with pleural fluid, which is produced by the
pleural membranes.
The pleural fluid has two functions: it acts as a lubricant and helps hold
the pleural membranes together.
Deoxygenated blood is transported to the lungs through the pulmonary
arteries, and oxygenated blood leaves through the pulmonary veins.
Oxygenated blood mixes with a small amount of deoxygenated blood
that returns from the bronchi.