Pronunciation: [lˈʌŋz] (IPA) 
The word "lungs" is spelled with five letters, but it can be a bit tricky for non-native English speakers to pronounce correctly. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /lʌŋz/. The first sound is an unrounded, short vowel sound like "uh." The next sound is a nasal vowel sound represented by the symbol "ŋ." Finally, there is an "s" sound at the end of the word. When pronounced correctly, this word should sound like "luhngz."
Lungs are vital organs located in the chest cavity responsible for the respiratory system in humans and many other vertebrate animals. They are a pair of large, spongy, and cone-shaped structures that play a primary role in the exchange of gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the body and the environment.
The main function of the lungs is to facilitate the inhalation of oxygen, which is required for cellular respiration, and the exhalation of carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of metabolism. This gas exchange occurs through a network of tiny air sacs called alveoli, which are surrounded by a mesh of blood vessels known as capillaries.
When a person breathes in, the lung tissue expands, drawing air into the bronchial tubes and eventually into the alveoli. Inside the alveoli, oxygen is transferred to the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide, which has accumulated as waste, is removed and expelled during exhalation.
In addition to gas exchange, the lungs also aid in regulating the body's pH balance, filtering impurities from the air, and producing certain hormones and enzymes involved in various physiological processes. The structure of the lungs includes lobes, bronchi, bronchioles, and a diaphragm that helps regulate the process of breathing.
Overall, lungs are crucial for sustaining life by providing the body with the necessary oxygen and removing waste carbon dioxide, making them an indispensable component of the respiratory system.
The organs of respiration in mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "lungs" originated from the Old English word "lungen", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "lungō". This term is believed to have derived from the Proto-Indo-European *pleu-, meaning "to flow" or "to float". The connection to the lungs likely comes from the visual resemblance of the organ's movement during respiration to the motion of waves or flowing water.
