Lungs

lung The respiratory organ of air-breathing vertebrates. A pair of lungs is situated in the thorax, within the ribcage. Each consists essentially of a thin moist membrane that is folded to increase its surface area. Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place between blood capillaries on one side of the membrane and air on the other. The lung is supplied with air through a bronchus. The lungs are covered by a thin tissue layer called the pleura. The same kind of thin tissue lines the inside of the chest cavity -- also called pleura. A thin layer of fluid acts as a lubricant allowing the lungs to slip smoothly as they expand and contract with each breath.

Lung infection

Lung infection is generally referred to as lower respiratory tract infection. This term is synonymous with pneumonia. Lung infections tend to make the individual feel extremely weak, straining the patient's overall health as well. There are two types of infections of the lungs: (1) Chronic; and (2) Acute. The most common infections of the lungs include pneumonia and bronchitis.