The lungs are a pair of organs in the chest that are responsible for gas exchange, which is essential for life: 

 







Function

The lungs bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide. This process is called respiration. 

 





Location

The lungs are located in the chest, or thorax, and are protected by the rib cage. 

 





Shape

The lungs are triangular and look similar to elephant ears. 

 



Size

A typical adult lung weighs around 2.2 pounds and is a little longer than 9 inches when breathing normally. 

 



Structure

The lungs are covered by double-layered pleural membranes and are made up of complex branching air passageways. 

 



Neural control

The lungs have intricate neural control that regulates respiratory function. 

 



Part of the respiratory system

The lungs are part of the respiratory system, which also includes the trachea, chest wall muscles, diaphragm, and blood vessels. 

 



Gas exchange

During gas exchange, oxygen from the air moves into the blood, and carbon dioxide from the blood moves into the lungs to be exhaled. 

 



Other roles

The respiratory system also brings air to the right temperature and humidity, protects the body from harmful substances, and supports the sense of smell.