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Lungs and Respiratory System

Medically reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD

What Are the Lungs and Respiratory System?

The lungs and respiratory system allow us to breathe. They bring oxygen into our bodies (called inspiration, or inhalation) and send carbon dioxide out (called expiration, or exhalation).

This exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is called respiration.

We take thousands of breaths a day, thanks to the respiratory system.

The Respiratory System

We take thousands of breaths a day, thanks to the respiratory system.

The nose, throat, and lungs are just a few parts of the body that make up the respiratory system. They work together to bring oxygen into the body and take carbon dioxide (a waste product) out.

The Respiratory System

The nose, throat, and lungs are just a few parts of the body that make up the respiratory system. They work together to bring oxygen into the body and take carbon dioxide (a waste product) out.

The body needs oxygen for energy. It gets this oxygen from the air around you. When you breathe in through your nose or mouth, you pull air into your throat and down the windpipe.