How the lungs work

The lungs are one of the hardest-working organs in the body. They expand and contract up to 20 times a minute to supply oxygen to be distributed to tissue all over the body and expel carbon dioxide that has been created throughout the body. The cone-shaped lungs are sponge-like organs that fill the chest cavity and make up most of the lower respiratory tract. Their most important job is providing oxygen to capillaries so they can oxygenate blood. Each lung is divided into lobes. The right lung has three, but the left lung has only two to accommodate the heart. Together, the lungs’ tissue surface is almost 40 times greater than the body’s outer surface, making the lungs (together) one of the largest organs in the body.


Lung Volume Recruitment in Neuromuscular DiseaseNot being able to take deep breaths or cough forcefully are two examples of the breathing problems that people with a disease affecting the nerves and muscles, such as Duchenne…
Respiratory Biomarkers in Motor Neurone DiseaseThe inability to breathe is unfortunately the most common cause of death in people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Last year, our clinical research group in Melbourne reported that…

< More respiratory projects



ARIELARIEL

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a chronic lung condition that causes stiff lungs and restricts sufferers from taking a deep breath. Exercise in a gym, or swimming, walking or riding a bike, can help...

Shift work and breastfeeding projectSHIFT WORK AND BREASTFEEDING PROJECT

Researchers at Austin Health are looking for volunteers to participate in a study exploring the impact shift work has on breast milk composition. Participants will be compensated with a $100 gift voucher.

HEALTHY MALES AND FEMALES WANTED FOR SLEEP STUDYHEALTHY MALES AND FEMALES WANTED FOR SLEEP STUDY

Interested to participate in a study investigating the effect of fatigue on driving performance?

A/Prof Mark Howard Awarded Major Competitive MRFF GrantA/PROF MARK HOWARD AWARDED MAJOR COMPETITIVE MRFF GRANT

IBAS leads project to revolutionize Home Ventilation with $1.2 million grant for Assoc. Prof Mark Howard's research titled "Synchronise non-invasive ventilation at home".

Prof Anne Holland receives prestigious Research AwardPROF ANNE HOLLAND RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS RESEARCH AWARD

Prof Anne Holland receives prestigious award for Excellent in Research Engagement and Impact from Monash University.

World Sleep Day on 17th March 2023WORLD SLEEP DAY ON 17TH MARCH 2023

The benefits of quality sleep and to acknowledge the issue of sleep problems and their medical, educational, and social aspects as well as the prevention and management of sleep disorders, is promoted on World Sleep Day on the 17th March 2023.

A/Prof Mark Howard is listed in 'the Australian'A/PROF MARK HOWARD IS LISTED IN 'THE AUSTRALIAN'

The Australian's Research magazine names the top researcher and top research institution in each field of research, based on the number of citations for papers published in the top 20 journals in each field over the past five years.

Institute for Breathing and Sleep

Level 5, Harold Stokes Building, Austin Health
145 Studley Road
Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084

(03) 9496 5390

Email Us

Donate