What are lungs? Why are they important?

Lungs are one of the many organs in your body, and like the organs, they are important and has a particular function which helps us survive. The lungs in your body are found in your chest; they are very large and take up most of the space in it. You have two lungs- the left one is a bit smaller than the right so it could make room for the heart. Your lungs are protected by your rib cage; it is connected to your spine and goes around your lungs to keep them safe. At the bottom of it there is a ‘dome-shaped’ muscle called the diaphragm. It works with your lungs to allow you to inhale (breathe in) and exhale, (breathe out). They work with the respiratory system; they also help with speaking every time you breathe in or out. The surface of the area of the lungs are gigantic it is said to be larger than a person’s skin.

Lungs are also important against the body’s defence to illnesses/sickness etc. I quote; “While the nose is the first line of defence against inhaled harmful materials, the lungs provide the second line of defence.” Small particles that are inhaled through the nose like pollution, smoke and bacteria pass through our nose or mouth and lodge in our lungs.