15/12/2023

The Lungs Structure and Function

Learning outcomes
Be able to label the parts of the lungs and explain who they work in the
exchange of gas/
Starter: what are the two gases that are
involved in gas exchange in the lungs

Oxygen
(symbol O)

Carbon Dioxide
(symbol CO2)
 The Lungs
The lungs are part of the
respiratory system.

Their function is to offer a large

surface area for oxygen to move
into the blood and for carbon
dioxide to move out of the blood.

This is called gas exchange.

Trachea Bronchi Bronchioles Alveoli

(windpipe) (air sac)
Label the diagram of the lungs with any parts
you remember
 Label the diagram of the lungs with any parts
you remember

Trachea
show

Intercostal
show
muscle
Ribs
show
show
Bronchus

Bronchiole
show Heart
show

Alveoli
show

Diaphragm
show
The mechanics of breathing
• Intercostal muscles contract to pull
the ribs up and outwards.
• The diaphragm contracts and moves
down.
• The volume inside the rib cage
increases.
• Pressure inside the ribcage decreases
causing air to rush into the lungs.
The mechanics of breathing
The mechanics of breathing

• Intercostal muscles relax to move the

ribs down and inwards.
• The diaphragm relaxes and moves up.
• The volume inside the rib cage
decreases.
• Pressure inside the ribcage increases
causing air to rush out of the lungs.