The lungs are a vital part of the respiratory system, which allows us to breathe. They are responsible for removing carbon dioxide from the blood and adding oxygen to it. Here is a breakdown of what the lungs do:

• Breathing: The diaphragm, a dome-shaped wall of muscle, expands and contracts the chest to draw air in and out of the lungs. The lungs contain elastic tissues that allow them to inflate and deflate without losing shape.

• Gas exchange: Oxygen from the air we breathe is transferred from tiny air sacs called alveoli to the bloodstream, where it is carried to the cells of our tissues and organs. Carbon dioxide, a waste gas produced by our cells, is transferred from the bloodstream to the alveoli and then exhaled.

• Moistening and cleaning the air: Mucus produced in the trachea and bronchial tubes keeps air passages moist and helps catch dust, bacteria, and other substances. Cilia, small hairs in the respiratory tract, sweep the mucus and trapped particles out of the lungs.

Its important to take care of our lungs to keep them healthy. Smoking, air pollution, and other factors can damage the lungs and make them less efficient at taking in oxygen and getting rid of carbon dioxide.