Here is what each part of the illustrated lung model represents in relation to the human breathing system:
- Rubber sheeting: This represents the diaphragm, the main muscle responsible for breathing. When it contracts, it moves downward to increase the thoracic cavity volume, causing the lungs to expand and air to be drawn in
- Bell jar: This represents the thoracic cavity (chest cavity), the space enclosed by the rib cage and muscles where the lungs reside. Changes in the volume of this cavity drive lung inflation and deflation during breathing
- Balloons: Each balloon represents a lung. The balloons inflate and deflate to simulate the lungs filling with air during inhalation and emptying during exhalation
- Arms of the Y-tube: These represent the bronchi, the two main airways (right and left bronchus) that branch from the trachea and lead air into each lung
- Stem of the Y-tube: This represents the trachea (windpipe), the main airway that conducts air from the throat (larynx) down into the bronchi and lungs
In summary, the model mimics the breathing system by showing how the diaphragm (rubber sheet) moves to change the volume of the thoracic cavity (bell jar), causing the lungs (balloons) to inflate and deflate as air passes through the trachea (stem of the Y-tube) and bronchi (arms of the Y-tube)
