The Lungs

Healthy gas exchange

The lungs have about 30,000 airways that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide to/from the gas exchange units that are deep within the lungs.

Lungs also have blood vessels that bring blood to the gas exchange units, & transport oxygenated blood to the heart for delivery to the body.

Gas exchange works best when the same amount of air and blood is delivered to a gas exchange unit.

Lung disease affects the amount of air or blood that is delivered to the gas exchange units: some get too much, and some get too little.

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