How do the lungs work with other organ systems to keep the body healthy?

Answer 1

The lungs are part of the respiratory system, the main function of which is to provide oxygen for the body and release carbon dioxide from the body.

The first step in providing oxygen is inhalation. When a person inhales, the air goes through his nose/mouth, down his trachea, and into tiny air sacs called alveoli. These alveoli are covered in blood vessels, and it is here where the gas exchange takes place. Oxygen diffuses out of the alveoli into the capillaries. It is then carried by the blood into the heart and then throughout the entire body.

Releasing carbon dioxide from the body is basically the reverse process. In the body, carbon dioxide is created as a waste product that must be exhaled. So the blood carries carbon dioxide from tissues to the heart and into the lungs. The gas exchange occurs in the alveoli and the carbon dioxide is exhaled.

Of course in real life, this occurs almost simultaneously. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out, breathe in...

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

The lungs provide oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide. By providing this critical function it keeps all the other systems of the body running. The lungs also provide some protection from the environment or infection by having a layer of mucus that captures particles and infectious agents and attempts to expel them. In addition to to all of this the the Lungs which are apart of the respiratory system performs other roles important to breathing. These include:

• Bringing air to the proper body temperature.
• Moisturizing the inhaled air to the right humidity.
• Protecting the body from harmful substances. This is done by coughing, sneezing, filtering, or swallowing them.
• The sense of smell.

The Parts of the Respiratory System and How They Work

AIRWAYS

The SINUSES are hollow spaces in the bones of the head. Small openings connect them to the nose. The functions they serve include helping to regulate the temperature and humidity of air breathed in.

The NOSE is the preferred entrance for outside air into the respiratory system. The hairs that line the wall are part of the air-cleaning system.

Air also enters through the MOUTH, especially in people who have a mouth-breathing habit or whose nasal passages may be temporarily obstructed, as by a cold or during heavy exercise.

The THROAT collects incoming air from the nose and mouth and passes it downward to the windpipe (trachea).

The WINDPIPE (trachea) is the passage leading from the throat to the lungs.

The windpipe divides into the two main BRONCHIAL TUBES, one for each lung, which subdivide into each lobe of the lungs. These, in turn, subdivide further.

Lungs and Blood Vessels

The right lung is divided into three LOBES, or sections. Each lobe is like a balloon filled with sponge-like tissue. Air moves in and out through one opening -- a branch of the bronchial tube.

The left lung is divided into two LOBES.

The PLEURA are the two membranes, actually one continuous one folded on itself, that surround each lobe of the lungs and separate the lungs from the chest wall.

The bronchial tubes are lined with CILIA (like very small hairs) that have a wave-like motion. This motion carries MUCUS (sticky phlegm or liquid) upward and out into the throat, where it is either coughed up or swallowed. The mucus catches and holds much of the dust, germs, and other unwanted matter that has invaded the lungs. You get rid of this matter when you cough, sneeze, clear your throat or swallow.

The smallest subdivisions of the bronchial tubes are called BRONCHIOLES, at the end of which are the air sacs or alveoli.

The ALVEOLI are the very small air sacs that are the destination of air breathed in.

The CAPILLARIES are blood vessels that are imbedded in the walls of the alveoli. Blood passes through the capillaries, brought to them by the PULMONARY ARTERY and taken away by the PULMONARY VEIN. While in the capillaries the blood gives off carbon dioxide through the capillary wall into the alveoli and takes up oxygen from the air in the alveoli.

Muscles and Bones

The DIAPHRAGM is the strong wall of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. By moving downward, it creates suction in the chest to draw in air and expand the lungs.

The RIBS are bones supporting and protecting the chest cavity. They move to a limited degree, helping the lungs to expand and contract.

Answer 3

They provide the oxygen needed to metabolize glucose, the body's fuel. The lungs keep supplying air to the organs, like your brain, so it keeps them working.

Answer 4

By supplying the blood with oxygen ...the oxygen then travels thro the body with the blood helping other systems :)

Answer 5

The lungs work in the respiratory system by eliminating CO2 and providing O2 for the body. It keeps the body healthy by regulating the bodies pH and providing oxygen for the tissues.

Answer 6

If the time space continuum is disrupted we will all die