How many lungs are in the human body?

Humans have two lungs, located in the chest cavity on either side of the breastbone.

• The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two lobes (smaller to make space for the heart).
• The main function of the lungs is to remove carbon dioxide from the blood and supply oxygen to it. The lungs work closely with the heart to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

Inside the lungs, there are thousands of tiny tubes ending in small air sacs called alveoli. Each alveolus is surrounded by blood vessels (capillaries).

• When we breathe in, the pulmonary artery brings in blood rich in carbon dioxide.
• In the alveoli, carbon dioxide passes out of the blood into the air, and oxygen from the air enters the blood.
• This oxygenated blood then returns to the heart, which pumps it to the rest of the body.

Important Notes:

1. Lungs can be badly affected by smoking and tobacco use.
2. The lungs are the main organs of the respiratory system.
3. The left lung is smaller than the right to make room for the heart.