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🏛️elementary latin review

Pulmo

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Pulmo is the Latin term for 'lung,' an essential organ in the respiratory system responsible for gas exchange. The lungs facilitate the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide, playing a vital role in maintaining the body's overall health. Understanding this term is key when studying body parts, especially those related to respiratory functions and processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The lungs are divided into lobes, with the right lung having three lobes and the left lung having two lobes to accommodate space for the heart.
  2. Pulmo is connected to various respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia or pulmonary fibrosis, which can significantly affect lung function.
  3. The surface area of the alveoli in the lungs is roughly the size of a tennis court, allowing for efficient gas exchange.
  4. In addition to gas exchange, the lungs also help regulate blood pH levels by controlling carbon dioxide concentration in the blood.
  5. Pulmonary circulation refers to the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation and back to the heart for distribution throughout the body.

Review Questions

  • How do the lungs contribute to homeostasis within the human body?
    • The lungs play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Through the process of respiration, they ensure that oxygen is supplied to cells while removing carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism. This balance is essential for normal cellular functions and overall metabolic processes, demonstrating how pulmo is vital for maintaining health.
  • Discuss how diseases affecting the lungs can impact overall bodily functions and health.
    • Diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pulmonary fibrosis can severely impair lung function. These conditions lead to reduced airflow and oxygen availability, which can affect not just breathing but also energy levels and overall physical activity. Consequently, individuals with compromised lung health may experience fatigue, decreased stamina, and an inability to perform daily tasks effectively, highlighting the interconnectedness of pulmo with other body systems.
  • Evaluate the significance of pulmonary circulation in relation to lung function and overall cardiovascular health.
    • Pulmonary circulation is critical as it directly links lung function with cardiovascular health. Blood is transported from the heart to the lungs where it undergoes oxygenation before returning to the heart for distribution throughout the body. This process ensures that oxygen-rich blood reaches tissues while facilitating the removal of carbon dioxide. Disruptions in pulmonary circulation can lead to serious conditions such as pulmonary hypertension or right-sided heart failure, showcasing how intimately connected pulmo is with cardiovascular well-being.