Each part of a constructed lung model typically represents specific components of the human respiratory system as follows:
- Plastic bottle : Represents the chest cavity (thoracic cavity) that houses the lungs and rib cage, providing a rigid structure around the lungs
- Small balloon inside the bottle : Represents the lung itself, expanding and contracting to simulate breathing
- Straw inserted through the bottle opening : Represents the trachea (windpipe), which carries air into the lungs
- Y-shaped connector or two straws inside the bottle : Represent the left and right primary bronchi, which branch from the trachea into each lung
- Smaller balloons or balloon pieces attached inside : Represent the alveoli, the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs
- Balloon or plastic sheet at the bottom of the bottle : Represents the diaphragm, a muscle that moves to change pressure in the chest cavity to facilitate breathing
- The bottle cap or handle attached to the balloon at the bottom : Acts as the diaphragm "handle" that is pulled or pushed to simulate diaphragm movement during inhalation and exhalation
In summary, the model mimics how the diaphragm moves down to create negative pressure, causing the lung balloon to expand (inhale), and moves up to push air out, causing the lung balloon to deflate (exhale). The bottle simulates the rib cage and chest cavity, the straw is the airway, and the balloons inside represent the lungs and alveoli
