The lungs & Gas exchange

The lungs …
 Function :
 The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
 Where:
 The lungs are located in upper thorax
 How:
 Gaseous exchange takes place in the lungs by the
process of ventilation (breathing)
Structure of lungs…..
Ventilation of the lungs.....
Ventilation of the lungs is the process of inspiration
(inhaling) and expiration (exhaling).
This is bought about by muscular movements of the
thorax, causing an alteration in the volume of the
lungs.
The diaphragm is a muscular sheet that separates the
thorax and the abdomen.
Inspiration.....
During inspiration the volume of the lungs is
increased by two movements.
The diaphragm contracts, pulling downwards to
increase the volume of the lungs
The intercostal muscles contract causing the rib cage
to expand and move upwards.
A partial vacuum is created in the lungs (decrease in
pressure), to equalise the pressure oxygen from the air
to be drawn in.
Expiration.....
Expiration occurs when the pressure inside the lungs
is reduced, this is done by
The intercostal muscles relaxing, with the ribcage
dropping inwards and downwards.
The diaphragm also relaxes, take up its original
position of being domed shaped, again reducing the
pressure inside the lungs which causes carbon dioxide
to be exhaled and released into the atmosphere.
I think we should add in a video clip from youtube
showing breathing in and out and out some pictures in
showing the lungs what you think???
Gaseous exchange in the lungs…..
Ventilation causes air to
flow in and out of the
alveoli.
Gaseous exchange takes
place in the alveoli
The structure is specialised
to its function
Ficks law