The two lungs are the primary
organs of the respiratory system. Other components
of the respiratory system conduct air to the
lungs, such as the trachea (windpipe) which branches
into smaller structures called bronchi.
The process of breathing (respiration) is divided
into two distinct phases, inspiration (inhalation)
and expiration (exhalation). During inspiration,
the diaphragm contracts and pulls downward while
the muscles between the ribs contract and pull
upward. This increases the size of the
thoracic cavity and decreases the pressure inside. As
a result, air rushes in and fills the lungs.
During expiration, the diaphragm relaxes, and
the volume of the thoracic cavity decreases,
while the pressure within it increases. As
a result, the lungs contract and air is forced
out.
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