Keuhkofunktio

Keuhkofunktio refers to the physiological processes that enable the lungs to perform their essential role in respiration. This function involves the exchange of gases, primarily oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the inhaled air and the bloodstream. The process begins with ventilation, which is the mechanical act of breathing, moving air into and out of the lungs. This involves the coordinated action of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Once air reaches the tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli, gas exchange occurs across their thin walls. Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the capillaries surrounding them, where it binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells and is transported throughout the body. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. Several key measurements are used to assess keuhkofunktio, including vital capacity, which is the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after a deep inhalation, and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), which measures how much air can be forcefully exhaled in the first second. Abnormalities in keuhkofunktio can indicate various respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pulmonary fibrosis. Regular monitoring of keuhkofunktio is crucial for diagnosing and managing these diseases, as well as for assessing the overall health of the respiratory system.