In a model lung, each part represents a different component of the respiratory system. The specific representations may vary slightly depending on the design of the model, but the following are the most common associations:
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Small balloon inside the bottle: Represents the lungs. The lungs are the main organs responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the respiratory system.
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Bottle: Represents the chest cavity and the rib cage. The chest cavity houses the lungs and provides protection, while the rib cage helps in the expansion and contraction of the chest during breathing.
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Plastic tube or balloon handle: Represents the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen and plays a crucial role in the breathing process.
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Large balloon: Represents the muscle that expands and contracts during breathing. This muscle can be associated with the diaphragm or the intercostal muscles, which are located between the ribs and also help in the breathing process.
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Straws: Represent the trachea and bronchial tubes. The trachea is the main airway that connects the throat to the lungs, while the bronchial tubes branch out from the trachea and carry air to the lungs.
