Topography of the Lungs – Lungs, mediastinum and cardiac valves

The main task of the lung (Latin: Pulmo) is the oxygenation of the blood and the elimination of carbon dioxide. This gas exchange takes place in the pulmonary alveoli (air sacs). Diseases of the lung are common and seen in every age group. In this context, asthma as a disease of children and teenagers, and the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a disease of adults should be mentioned. Also, infectious diseases of the lung like pneumonia are part of the everyday-life in practices and hospitals. Anatomic knowledge of the lung is key to be able to classify the different clinical pictures. In the following article, you will get an overview over the location, the structure, and the functions of the lung.