Tag: meditation

Our Lungs

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

This week we are looking at our lungs.

The human lungs are a pair of soft, spongy organs located inside the chest, protected by the rib cage. They are an essential part of the respiratory system, which allows the body to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Every breath brings fresh air into the lungs, where oxygen moves into the bloodstream and is carried to cells throughout the body.

The rib cage plays an important role in protecting the lungs. The ribs form a strong, curved frame around the chest that helps shield the lungs and heart from injury. The rib cage also helps with breathing because the ribs move up and out when a person breathes in, allowing the lungs to expand, and move down and in when a person breathes out.

Air enters through the nose or mouth, travels down the trachea, and then passes into two main bronchi, one leading to each lung. These bronchi branch into smaller tubes called bronchioles, which end in tiny air sacs called alveoli. The alveoli are surrounded by small blood vessels, making them the main site where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

A person’s lung capacity or the amount of air the lungs can hold varies from person to person depending on age, body size, fitness level, and overall health. People who exercise regularly often use their lungs more efficiently, while smoking, illness, or pollution can reduce how well the lungs work. Measuring lung capacity can help doctors understand how healthy a person’s breathing system is.

The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two lobes to make room for the heart.

The diaphragm, a large muscle below the lungs, helps pull air in and push air out during breathing.

Healthy lungs help supply oxygen for energy, remove waste gases, and support the body’s overall function.

The Role of the Mouth and Nose When Breathing

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

This week we are looking at the role of the mouth and news when breathing.

The nose and mouth are the two main entry points for air when we breathe. Although both can bring air into the respiratory system, they have different roles. The nose is usually the preferred pathway because it filters, warms and moistens the air before it travels down the throat, through the windpipe and into the lungs. Tiny hairs and mucus inside the nose help trap dust, germs and other particles, making the air safer and more comfortable for the lungs.

The mouth acts as a second pathway for breathing. It is especially useful when the nose is blocked, such as during a cold or allergies, or when the body needs more air during exercise. However, air that enters through the mouth is not filtered, warmed or moistened as well as air that enters through the nose. This means frequent mouth breathing can sometimes lead to a dry mouth, throat irritation or poorer sleep.

Overall, the nose and mouth work together to help the body take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. The nose protects and prepares the air for the lungs, while the mouth provides an extra route for airflow when needed.

When we have a cold, the inside of the nose can become swollen and filled with extra mucus. This makes it harder for air to pass through the nose, so breathing can feel blocked or stuffy.

Because the nose is blocked, we often start breathing more through the mouth. Mouth breathing lets air still get into the lungs, but it does not filter, warm, or moisten the air as well as the nose does. That is why a cold can sometimes make your mouth or throat feel dry.

A cold can also make us sneeze, cough, or have a runny nose because the body is trying to clear away germs and mucus.