Liz is a medical writer and illustrator with an MSc in Medical Art and a BA in Medical Illustration focusing on pre-medical sciences. She has worked with healthcare professionals and educators globally creating anatomically accurate learning materials.
The Lungs and Respiratory System
The lungs and respiratory system are responsible for facilitating the vital process of breathing. This system enables the intake of oxygen, essential for cellular metabolism and overall physiological function, and the expulsion of carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste product. The exchange of these gases -oxygen and carbon dioxide - is known as respiration.
Anatomy Charts to Support Learning
Gain a clearer understanding of the lungs and the entire respiratory system with our beautifully illustrated anatomical charts. Ideal for classrooms, clinics or revision at home, these visual aids provide high-quality, labelled diagrams that break down each component - from the nasal cavity to the alveoli. Perfect for students, tutors, and healthcare professionals alike.
The Upper Respiratory Tract
The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose, mouth, nasal sinuses, the pharynx and the larynx. Oxygen enters the body through the nasal and oral cavity (the nose and the mouth). The nasal cavity contains nasal sinuses which help to warms and humidifies the air because cold and dry air can cause irritation to the lungs.
The air then travels into the pharynx which sits behind the oral and nasal cavity. Air is transported from here into the larynx (voice box) where it is then passed into the trachea. The trachea is known as our windpipe and is the first part of the lower respiratory tract.
The Lower Respiratory Tract
The lower respiratory tract includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli and the lungs.
The trachea is a long tube which extends down from the larynx and divides into two branches known as bronchi. The trachea allows air to pass in and out of the lungs when we breathe. The bronchi divide into more branches and each branch is terminated by a bronchiole.
Bronchioles help to carry oxygen into the lungs and carbon dioxide out of the lungs. At the end of each bronchiole are small air sacs called alveoli. Alveoli are covered in small blood vessels called capillaries and this is where gas exchange occurs between the lungs and the bloodstream when we breathe in and out.
Lung Models for Hands-On Learning
For those looking to explore the lungs and airways in more depth, our anatomical respiratory system models offer a practical, tactile way to study. These accurate and durable models show detailed structures like the bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, and lung lobes, helping you visualise airflow and understand the mechanics of breathing. Excellent for enhancing lessons, demonstrations, and independent study.
The Lungs
The lungs are an essential component to the respiratory system. The lungs sit either side of the heart and are located in the rib cage, which provides vital protection. The bronchi, bronchiole and the alveoli are all contained within the lungs.
The lungs are covered in a membrane called pleura which is filled with fluid and allows the lungs to move smoothly inside the chest when we breathe.
The right lung has three lobes and the left lung has two lobes and is also slightly smaller to accommodate for heart which sits slightly to the left.
Muscles of the Respiratory System
The main muscle in the respiratory system is the diaphragm which contracts as we breathe in and out. Other muscles involved with normal breathing include the external intercostals. Forced exhalation is controlled by the internal intercostals, intercostalis intimi, subcostals and the abdominal muscles.
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Blood Vessels of the Respiratory System
The pulmonary arteries and the pulmonary veins transport blood to and from the lungs and heart. The pulmonary trunk of the heart divides into two pulmonary arteries which transport deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
The right pulmonary artery branches into the superior lobar artery, the middle lobar artery and the inferior lobar artery. The left pulmonary artery branches into several superior and inferior lobar arteries.
The pulmonary veins transport oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart and the rest of the body. The bronchial veins provide the pulmonary veins with oxygen rich blood.
Nerves of the Respiratory System
The vagus nerve innervates the respiratory system with the autonomic nervous system. Branches of the vagus nerve with sympathetic nerves form the pulmonary plexus.
How we Breathe
Oxygen is required for our body to function and stay alive. Blood transports oxygen to various parts of the body to stay healthy.
When we breathe in our ribs move up and out while the diaphragm moves down. This creates more space in our chest cavity so that our lungs can be filled with oxygen. As oxygen enters out respiratory system the alveoli exchanges gas with the blood cells through a process called diffusion. Oxygen rich blood is then transported to the heart where it is pumped around the body.
When we breathe out the diaphragm relaxes and the chest cavity becomes smaller. Carbon dioxide is a waste product of the reactions that take place inside out body. Deoxygenated blood is pumped into the lungs where gas exchange takes place between the alveoli and blood cells where waste products such as carbon dioxide are exhaled out through our nose.
Visual Aids to better Understand Lungs & Respiratory System Anatomy
Understanding anatomy can be far more effective with high quality visual tools. Our range of anatomical models, posters and revision guides allow students and professionals to deepen their understanding through visual and tactile learning. Whether you're preparing for an exam, teaching a class, or working in a clinical setting, our resources provide a practical and engaging way to study human anatomy.
