What is Lungs? Discuss about structure, functions, conditions, test and treatment of Lungs?

What are Lungs? 

Lungs are a part of the respiratory system in humans. They have a spongy texture and are pinkish-grey in color.

Lungs are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs located on either side of the thorax. It is a group of organs and tissue that work together and help us to breathe. Moreover, to breathe properly, our lungs require help from structures outside of the lungs. To breathe properly, our lugs require the use of our diaphragm muscles (it is a domed-shaped muscle from the top and is located below the lungs. It carries out most of the work involved in breathing). Intercoastal muscles (present between ribs), the muscles of our abdomen, and sometimes even our neck muscles.

Air(oxygen) enters through the nose or mouth; it travels down the trachea(windpipe) and then reaches Sarnia. At Sarnia, the trachea splits into two sections and creates two mainstream bronchi. One bronchus leads to the right lung while the other bronchi lead to the left lung. Bronchi split into small and even smaller bronchioles. This finally terminates at a point known as alveoli(little Saclike structure).In the alveoli, the air is absorbed into the bloodstream. Carbon dioxide and waste gases from the bloodstream travels to alveoli, from where they can be exhaled. 

The lungs are covered by pleura(a thin tissue layer). Furthermore, a thin layer of fluid act as a lubricant and prevent friction between the lungs when they expand and contract during breathing.

 Lungs Function:

• Respiration: The main role of the lungs is to bring fresh oxygen from the air into the bloodstream and at the same time removes carbon dioxide from the bloodstream through the trachea. The lungs expand when we inhale and contract when we exhale. 
• Filtering: The Lungs filter small air bubbles, and it also filters small blood clots. 
• Protection from infection: Certain membranes that are present within the lungs secrete immunoglobin. It protects the lungs from some infections.
• Maintain p^H balance: Excessive amounts of carbon dioxide can cause the body to become acidic. So, if the lungs find out the rise in acidity, it increases the ventilation rate to expel more of the carbon dioxide gas. 

Lungs structure :

Lungs are roughly cone-shaped structures. The left lung is slightly smaller than the right lung(due to the presence of the heart).

Each lung consists of :

1. Apex- It projects upwards, above the level of first ribs, and into the floor of the neck, as well as it is the superior blunt end of the lung.
2. Base- It is the inferior surface of the lung.
3. Lobes- These are 2-3 in number. And are separated by tissue within the lungs. 
4. Surface- These are 3 in number. These correspond to the area of the thorax that they face. They are named costal, mediastinal, and diaphragmatic.
5. Borders- These are three in number. The edge of the lungs is named as inferior, anterior, and posterior borders. 

Lungs Conditions:

• Asthma: In this disease, bronchi become inflamed and cause shortness of breath and wheezing. Air pollution, allergies often trigger asthma symptoms. 
• Lungs cancer: This disease can affect almost any part of the lung.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD): It causes problems in exhaling and thus causes shortness of breath.
• Acute bronchitis: It is a contagious infection that causes inflammation of the bronchial tube. Its main symptom is cough. 
• Pneumonia: It is caused by streptococcus pneumonia. It causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs. 

Lungs Test:

1. Computer tomography(CT scan): It is a diagnostic test that uses series of computerized views, x-ray and makes detailed pictures of lungs and nearby structures.
2. Spirometry: It is the most common breathing test. It measures how much and how fast one can breathe out. 
3. Lungs biopsy: In this test, a small piece of tissue is taken from the lungs. Examining it under a microscope can help in diagnosing rings condition.
4. Chest x-ray: It helps to identify pneumonia, masses, foreign bodies, air, or fluid on the chest. And is the most common test for the lungs. 
5. Sputum cytology involves observing the sputum under a microscope to find abnormal cells and find out the organism responsible for bronchitis and pneumonia.

Lungs Treatment :

• Antibiotics: These are medicines that kill bacteria cells to treat most cases of pneumonia.
• A chest tube is a flexible plastic tube inserted through an incision in the chest wall to drain fluid air or pus from and around the lungs. 
• Antivirus drugs: These can reduce the severity of influenza and can be taken after flu symptoms start. 
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy: These therapies can sometimes extend life with lung cancer and often improve symptoms. These therapies are required because lung cancer is often not curable with surgeries.
• Lungs transplant is a surgical procedure in which both or one lung is replaced by the donor's lung. Severe COPD, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis can sometimes be cured with a lung transplant.