Pulmonary

Pulmonary refers to anything pertaining to the lungs. The term is derived from the Latin word 'pulmo', which means lung. The field of medicine that focuses on the health of the respiratory system, particularly the lungs, is known as pulmonology.

Anatomy of the Lungs

The human lungs are a pair of large, spongy organs optimized for gas exchange between our blood and the air. They are located on either side of the spine and are protected by the rib cage and the sternum. The lungs are divided into sections called lobes, with three lobes in the right lung and two in the left.

Pulmonary Functions

The primary function of the lungs is to transport oxygen from the atmosphere into the bloodstream and to release carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into the atmosphere. This exchange of gases is accomplished through the process of respiration.

Pulmonary Diseases

There are many diseases and conditions that can affect the lungs, collectively known as pulmonary diseases. These include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary Treatments

Treatment for pulmonary diseases varies depending on the specific disease, its severity, and the overall health of the patient. Treatments can include medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases, lung transplantation.

See Also

• Respiratory system
• Pulmonology
• Pulmonary circulation
• Pulmonary function testing

References

Pulmonary Resources
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