The main function of the lungs is gas exchange, also known as respiration or breathing. This process is vital for life.
Understanding Gas Exchange
The lungs facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and our bloodstream.
- Oxygen Intake: When we inhale, oxygen from the air enters the lungs and then moves into the blood.
- Carbon Dioxide Removal: Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product from our body's metabolism, moves from the blood into the lungs and is exhaled.
A reduced lung function directly impacts the lungs' ability to efficiently perform this gas exchange, as stated in the provided reference.
The Process Explained
| Process | Description |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Oxygen-rich air enters the lungs. |
| Gas Exchange | Oxygen moves from the lungs into the blood; carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the lungs. |
| Exhalation | Carbon dioxide-rich air is expelled from the lungs. |
Without this constant exchange, our bodies would not receive the oxygen needed to function and would accumulate harmful levels of carbon dioxide.
