What Is the Surface Area of Human Lungs?
According to InnerBody, the inner surface area of the human lungs measures between 80 and 100 square meters, which is comparable in size to half of a tennis court. The lungs are a pair of large, spongy organs that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and the air.
As explained by InnerBody, air enters the body through the nose or mouth and passes through the pharynx, larynx and trachea. Prior to the lungs, the trachea splits into the left and right bronchi. Each primary bronchi branches into secondary bronchi upon entering the lungs. The secondary bronchi divide further into tertiary bronchi, which have many small bronchioles branching forth. Terminal bronchiole branches and grape-like clusters of alveolar sacs extend from the bronchioles. The alveoli are surrounded by capillary beds. The gas exchange between the blood and air takes place at this juncture. Chiesi Curoservice explains that the clustered structure of the alveolar tissue results in a large surface area in relation to volume and makes the lungs highly efficient for gas exchange.
