The Lungs in 3D
Paired organs where gaseous exchange occurs — oxygen diffuses into blood and carbon dioxide diffuses out across the alveoli. Rotate it, zoom in, and tap each labelled part to learn its structure and function the NCERT way.
Parts of the lungs
Trachea
Windpipe supported by C-shaped cartilage rings; carries air to the bronchi.
Right lung
Has three lobes.
Left lung
Has two lobes, leaving a notch for the heart.
Primary bronchus
Branch of the trachea entering each lung; divides into bronchioles.
Base of lung
Broad lower surface that rests on the diaphragm.
Lungs — the NCERT essentials
NCERT — Breathing and Exchange of Gases. Air passes through the nostrils → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli. The alveoli are thin-walled, richly vascular sacs that form the actual site of gaseous exchange.
Breathing is a mechanical process. During inspiration the diaphragm flattens and external intercostal muscles lift the ribs, increasing thoracic volume and drawing air in. Expiration is largely passive as these muscles relax.
Oxygen is transported mainly as oxyhaemoglobin, while carbon dioxide is carried mostly as bicarbonate ions in the plasma.
Did you know? Alveoli give a huge surface area (~70 m²) for diffusion — the actual site of gas exchange.
How the lungs works — step by step
- 1
Inspiration: diaphragm contracts and flattens, ribs move up and out — thoracic volume rises and pressure falls.
- 2
Air rushes in through the trachea and bronchi down to the alveoli.
- 3
At the alveoli, O₂ diffuses into blood and CO₂ diffuses out (exchange of gases).
- 4
Expiration: diaphragm and intercostals relax, thoracic volume falls, and CO₂-rich air is pushed out.
FAQ
Lungs — frequently asked questions
What is the function of the lungs?▾
Exchanges O₂ and CO₂ at the alveoli. Breathing is driven by the diaphragm and intercostal muscles changing thoracic volume.
What are the main parts of the lungs?▾
Key labelled parts include Trachea, Right lung, Left lung, Primary bronchus, Base of lung. In the 3D model you can tap each one to read what it does.
Which NCERT chapter covers the lungs for NEET?▾
NCERT — Breathing and Exchange of Gases. Air passes through the nostrils → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli. The alveoli are thin-walled, richly vascular sacs that form the actual site of gaseous exchange.
Is there an interactive 3D lungs model for NEET students?▾
Yes. PracticeNEET's 3D Anatomy Studio lets you rotate and zoom a real lungs model and tap labelled dots to learn each part — free, in your browser, no sign-in needed to explore.
See the lungs from every angle.
Open the interactive 3D model — rotate, zoom, and tap each labelled part.
Open the 3D Anatomy Studio