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Lungs - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 12:38, 12 August 2008
, 12:38, 12 August 2008no edit summary
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
The lungs are the site for gaseous exchange, and are situated within the thoracic cavity.
The lungs are the site for gaseous exchange, and are situated within the thoracic cavity. They occupy approximatley 5% of the body volume in mammals when relaxed, but generally have no fixed size or shape since their volume is constantly changing with the processes of inspiration and expiration.
The lungs, along with the larynx and trachea, develop from a ventral respiratory tract. After separation from the developing oesophagus, two lung buds develop, which undergo divisions as they grow, forming the beginnings of the bronchial tree. This process is not completed by birth.
==Structure==
==Structure==
*The left and right lungs lie within their pleural sac and are only attached by their roots, to the [[Mediastinum - Anatomy & Physiology|mediastinum]], so they are
*The left and right lungs lie within their pleural sac and are only attached by their roots, to the [[Mediastinum - Anatomy & Physiology|mediastinum]], so they are
**
*The right lung is always larger than the left, due to the positioning of the heart. The apex of the lungs is the cranial point.
*
==Function==
==Function==