ANATOMY



The Lungs : Anatomy of the Lungs



  • alveolus - tiny, thin-walled air sac at the end of the bronchiole branches where gas exchange occurs (plural - alveoli).
  • bronchioles - numerous small tubes that branch from each bronchus into the lungs. They get smaller and smaller.
  • bronchus - a branch of the trachea that goes from the trachea into the lung (plural - bronchi)
  • diaphragm - muscle at the base of the chest cavity that contracts and relaxes during breathing
  • epiglottis - a flap of tissue that closes over the trachea when you swallow so that food does not enter your airway
  • intercostal muscles - muscles along the rib cage that assist in breathing
  • larynx - voice box where the vocal cords are located.
  • nasal cavity - chamber in from the nose where air is moistened and warmed
  • pleural membranes - thin, membranes that cover the lungs, separate them from other organs and form a fluid-filled chest cavity.
  • pulmonary capillaries - small blood vessels that surround each alveolus
  • trachea - rigid tube that connects the mouth with the bronchi (windpipe)