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Human lungs – Respiratory system
Pulmonology is the medical specialty that deals with diseases of the respiratory tract, including the lungs, airways, and respiratory muscles.
🫁 Key Fact: The lungs contain approximately 300 million alveoli, providing a surface area of about 70 square meters for gas exchange.
Respiratory System Components
- Upper Respiratory Tract: Nose, pharynx, larynx
- Lower Respiratory Tract: Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli
- Respiratory Muscles: Diaphragm, intercostal muscles
Common Pulmonary Diseases
| Disease | Description | Prevalence |
|---|---|---|
| COPD | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 400 million |
| Asthma | Airway inflammation and constriction | 300 million |
| Pneumonia | Lung infection | 450 million annually |
| Lung Cancer | Malignant tumor in the lungs | 2.5 million annually |
| Pulmonary Fibrosis | Scarring of lung tissue | 3 million |
Pulmonary Function Tests
- Spirometry: Measures air flow and lung volume
- Pulse Oximetry: Measures blood oxygen saturation
- Arterial Blood Gas: Measures oxygen and CO2 in blood
- Bronchoscopy: Visual examination of airways