Pulmonary system

There are well documented benfits of exercise Oxygen and blood flow to and from the lungs is regulated by the pulmonary system. The heart is responsible for pumping blood to the lungs, where the blood gives up carbon dioxide and takes on oxygen.

In the pulmonary system, blood leaves the heart through the arteries, goes to the lungs, and returns to the heart through the veins.

In the pulmonary system, oxygen-depleted blood from the body leaves the right heart through the arteries, which carry it to the lungs, where red blood cells release carbon dioxide and pick up oxygen during respiration. The oxygenated blood then leaves the lungs through the veins, which return it to the left heart. The blood is then distributed to the body through circulation before returning again to the pulmonary system.

It is important to stay active to get enough oxygen into the body to keep this circuit working efficiently. However, infections and diseases can occur. Some of these include:

• Tuberculosis
• Drug induced lung disease
• Emphysema
• Chronic bronchitis
• Lung cancer
• Severe asthma
• Bronchiectasis

Many of these diseases are very serious and should be treated as soon as possible. If you think you are at risk, are a long time smoker or have a history of disease in your family, please visit your doctor.

There are many things that you can do to try and prevent these illnesses such as exercising regularly, quitting smoking and to practice proper breathing.