At birth, the lungs are pinkish in color, and as we age, the lungs turn dark slate gray. The right lung has three lobes and the left has only two. The lungs are separated by the mediastinum which is a space that connects the blood vessels of the heart, trachea and esophagus. The base of the lungs is called hila. The right lung is slightly larger than the left lung, allowing room for the heart. The lungs are made up of five distinct lobes. The muscles around the lungs allow the lungs to expand and contract so you can breathe. The muscles around the neck and collarbone also make breathing easier. Other muscles that aid breathing include the abdominal and intercostal muscles. When oxygen is inhaled, the nose and mouth warm and moisten the air. Common disorders of the respiratory system may include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, influenza, pneumonia, whooping cough, pleurisy, pulmonary embolism, tuberculosis and