Yes, lungs play a vital role in cleaning blood by removing carbon dioxide, a waste product, and replenishing it with oxygen.
Here's a breakdown of how lungs contribute to blood cleaning:
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Gas Exchange: The primary function of the lungs is gas exchange. Blood flowing through the capillaries in the lungs releases carbon dioxide and absorbs oxygen. This process occurs in tiny air sacs called alveoli.
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Carbon Dioxide Removal: As mentioned in the reference, carbon dioxide is a waste gas produced by cells throughout the body. The bloodstream carries this carbon dioxide to the lungs, where it's removed and exhaled.
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Oxygenation: Simultaneously, the lungs introduce fresh oxygen into the bloodstream. This oxygen is then transported to cells throughout the body, where it's used for energy production.
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Filtration (Indirectly): While the lungs don't directly filter blood in the same way kidneys do, they do contain immune cells that help defend against airborne pathogens and particles, preventing them from entering the bloodstream and causing infection.
In summary, while the lungs don't filter out all impurities in the blood, they are crucial for removing carbon dioxide and adding oxygen, which is essential for overall blood purification and function.
