Poumon

Poumon is the French term for the lung, one of the primary organs of respiration in humans. Humans have two poumons, the right and the left, located in the thoracic cavity and protected by the rib cage and pleural membranes.

Structure: Each poumon contains a branching airway system (the bronchial tree), numerous alveoli for gas exchange, and supporting tissue known as the parenchyma. The right poumon has three lobes; the left poumon has two, which leaves space for the heart. The lungs receive deoxygenated blood from the pulmonary arteries and drain oxygenated blood via the pulmonary veins.

Function: The primary role is ventilation and gas exchange. Breathing is driven by respiratory muscles, especially the diaphragm. Air reaches the alveoli, where oxygen diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses out to be exhaled. The lungs also help regulate acid-base balance and filter small particles from inhaled air.

Development and health: Poumons develop from foregut endoderm and surrounding mesenchyme; alveolar maturation continues after birth. Common diseases include infections (pneumonia), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, interstitial lung diseases, pulmonary embolism, and lung cancer. Diagnosis relies on imaging (chest X-ray, CT) and pulmonary function tests such as spirometry. Risk factors include smoking, air pollution, occupational exposures, and genetic predispositions.

Etymology and usage: The term poumon derives from Latin pulmonis via Old French. In French-language medical literature, poumon is used for the organ in both clinical and anatomical contexts.