What is one of the functions of the lungs?

The lungs play a vital role in the exchange of gases, primarily through the process of respiration. One of their primary functions is to eliminate carbon dioxide from the body. When we inhale, oxygen enters the lungs and is transported into the bloodstream, where it is used by cells throughout the body. In turn, cells produce carbon dioxide as a waste product of metabolism. This carbon dioxide is transported back to the lungs, where it is expelled from the body when we exhale.

This function is critical for maintaining the body's pH balance and ensuring that metabolic processes continue efficiently. While the lungs do facilitate the intake of oxygen, they do not produce it; rather, they allow oxygen from the air to enter the bloodstream. The roles of filtering blood or regulating temperature are functions associated with other organs in the body, such as the kidneys and skin, respectively. Thus, the elimination of carbon dioxide through the lungs is an essential and distinct function necessary for respiratory health.