Your lungs are incredible
Every day you take about 25,000 breaths, mostly without thinking. We’ve created this information to explain how your lungs work, including how you breathe and how oxygen gets into the bloodstream. We also explain how your lungs protect you and what you can do to protect your lungs.
About your lungs - the structure of your lungs
On this page, we explain what your lungs are made of, their structure, and how they work. Learn more.
Why do we breathe?
On this page, we explain why you breathe, what you breathe out, and the muscles used while breathing.
How does oxygen get into the bloodstream?
This page explains how oxygen gets into your blood from the lungs, and how blood is carried around your body.
What else do the lungs do?
On this page we explain the importance of your lungs, what can damage them and what you can do to protect your lungs.
How children’s lungs grow
Find out how lungs develop in the womb and how they continue to grow after birth and through childhood.
Risks to your child's lungs
Find out about early risks to your child’s lungs, the dangers of passive smoking and air pollution, as well as how you can reduce the risks.