ABSTRACT
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE PULMONARY SYSTEM The major function of the pulmonary system is the oxygenation of blood and the removal of carbon dioxide from the body. Breathing ventilates the respiratory tissue leading to gaseous exchange in the lungs. The tissue is therefore specialized to present the largest available surface area within the protection of the thoracic cavity. The large oxygen requirement is necessary to support the high metabolic rate of mammals.
