Definition | Lungs

The lungs are vital organs situated in the chest and are most useful in their function that enable the intake of oxygen and the expiration of carbon dioxide

CT Rendering of Lungs and Airways in Blue and Red
Ashley Davidoff MD TheCommonVein.net lungs-0701

Coordinated Function of the Beating Heart and the Breathing Lungs
Ashley Davidoff MD TheCommonVein.net
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Functionally

It is part of the respiratory and is characterized by its function as the gas exchange system of the body.

Oxygen Gradients Created by the Lungs Across the Alveolar Membrane
This diagram again shows the alveolus in teal, the arteriolar component of the capillary with red cells in blue and venular component replenished by oxygen in red. As noted above, the PO2 of the arterial blood is 40mmHg while the inspired air is 104mmHg. A pressure gradient thus exists and diffusion from the high to the low pressure occurs with a net movement of oxygen into the blood to equilibrate the pressure. Venous blood is now rich in oxygen with a PO2 of 104mmHg.
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Structurally

it is characterized by spongy nature and large volume

Spongy to the Feel
The lungs have a spongy feel macroscopically characterised by small air filled holes
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Functional

characteristics include the capability to enable gas exchange

The Alveolus In this diagram a single alveolus is outlined with its surrounding arteriole, venule, and capillary network. The process at the alveolar end is a simple exchange. Life sustaining oxygen is received by the hemoglobin and toxic carbon dioxide is excreted. Although this exchange occurs in the respiratory bronchioles alveolar ducts and alveolar sacs, the alveolus is the prime site of gaseous exchange.
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Common Diseases

asthma, emphysema, bronchitis pneumonia and cancer

The Story of Lung Cancer
This is the story of lung cancer, (left top) from the tobacco leaves of Virginia, to the cigarette, a nicotine filled alveolus, repeated contact with epithelium, and malignant proliferation with compromise of the lumen. People of all types affected by the curse of smoke. The histology may be of the non small cell or the small cell type, but in either case malignant and space occupying. A cough is common with the clinical presentation and a mass frequent on CT. Biopsy follows with staging by PET scan, multidisciplinary conference, and therapeutic choices – surgery, radiation and or chemotherapy. Mortality is usually inevitable with this devastating disease, but there is always hope for a cure in early stages.
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keywords lung pulmonary disease introduction collage people grosspathology smoking

Normal and Emphysema
The imaging difference between healthy lungs (thumbs up) and emphysematous lungs (thumbs down)
Ashley Davidoff MD
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A patient with hyperinflated lung volumes, COPD, and emphysema with surgical removal of a lung carcinoma from the LUL. 30672c code lungs pulmonary enlarged hyperinflated diaphragm flattened emphysema COPD imaging plain film CXR
Keywords:
lungs pulmonary enlarged hyperinflated diaphragm flattened emphysema COPD imaging plain film CXR
Ashley Davidoff MD TheCommonVein.net 30672c

Diagnostic

tools include CXR, lung function tests, CT scan, and endoscopy

Lungs and Imaging with the X-Ray
42444b18.8 lungs anatomy X-ray
Ashley Davidoff MD TheCommonVein.net 42444b18.8

Treatments

include medical, surgical, radiation, and minimally invasive options.