Lung Functions
As we go about our daily tasks we seldom think about how our body carries out these functions. The most important functions which are required for living involve the brain, the heart and the lungs. The lungs help us live by performing the task of carrying much needed blood right throughout our entire body. This is only a brief statement about the other lung functions that occur.
To provide more depth you will find that the lung functions are dependent on the healthy condition of the air sacs in the lungs. These air sacs are what help the lungs clean the entering blood in the lungs. Once this air has been thoroughly cleansed it is then re- circulated back into the body.
The other aspect of the lung functions is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Here the blood vessels draw clean oxygen from the air. Any presence of carbon dioxide is expelled from the body’s organs. The pumping action of the heart and the lungs helps in this exchange process.
While these are the basic lung functions which can be found in all living organisms the structure for this breathing system differs from organism to organism. As the complexity of the living organism increases the lung functions are also sometimes expanded. This means that in addition to providing a constant supply of blood to the organs and exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide other functions occur.
These lung functions will encompass duties like the hydrogen ion concentration in the lungs is regulated; blood clots which form in the veins are filtered out, biologically active substances and various drug concentrations are influenced by the blood flowing through the body.
You will also find that your lungs have the remarkable ability filtering out micro gas bubbles – such as the ones which form when you are undergoing decompression from scuba diving. The final aspect which is not really considered when people think about the different lung functions is that of protecting the heart.
As the heart is situated in close proximity to the lungs these organs have been designed to envelop the heart in a protective covering. The soft layers of the lungs act as a shock absorbing layer. This added protection helps cushion the heart from many actions that could otherwise kill us.
What all of this means is that lung functions for us and may other living organisms are not just that of breathing. While this is an important function there are other functions which the lungs perform that promote a better standard of living for us.