Anatomy of the lungs

The lungs form part of our respiratory (breathing) system, which includes: • Nose and mouth. • Trachea (windpipe). • Bronchi (tubes that go to each lung). • Lungs.

Anatomy of the respiratory system, showing the trachea, bronchi and lungs. As we breathe in, air passes from our nose or mouth, through the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles, before it reaches tiny air sacs called alveoli – this is where oxygen from the air passes into the bloodstream (see inset image).