Breathing and the lungs

In short: In breathing the body takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. Gas exchange takes place in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs.

In more detail: Adults breathe about 12 to 16 times per minute at rest.

In detail

• Airway: Nose, throat, trachea, bronchi, alveoli.
• Diaphragm: The most important breathing muscle; it lowers during inhalation.
• Alveoli: About 300 million sacs with a total area of around 70 m².
• Gas exchange: Oxygen goes into the blood, carbon dioxide into exhaled air (herz-und-kreislauf).
• Breathing regulation: The brain controls it via the CO₂ content of the blood.
• Protection: Cilia and mucus catch dust and germs.
• Training: Endurance sport strengthens lung function (ausdauertraining-grundlagen).
• Warning signs: Persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezing should be medically checked; smoking damages the lungs.