Best Lung Models for Learning Respiratory System Anatomy Vector Image

5 Best Lung Models for Learning Respiratory System Anatomy

by | Updated: Jan 28, 2023

Are you a teacher looking for a quality lung model to use in class for your students? Or maybe, you’re a student that is in need of an awesome lung model to use for a project or homework?

Either way, in this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best lung models that are available for purchase. So you will definitely be able to find exactly what you’re looking for. So if you’re ready, let’s go ahead and dive right in. 

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links which means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Our Top Lung Model Recommendations:

Now that you’ve taken a look at our quick-list of best lung models, let’s dive deeper into our more detailed reviews. 

Best Lung Models for Learning the Anatomy of the Human Respiratory System:

The GPI Anatomicals Lung Model is one of the best lung models available on the market today at a relatively low price point. It is ideal for clinical use, display, and education settings.

Lung Model Features:

  • Full size 1:1 anatomically accurate model of the human lung
  • Display stand
  • Educational reference card
  • Durable plastic construction

Pros:

  • Highly affordable, especially compared to other models on the market
  • Anatomically accurate and full size
  • High-quality materials, long-lasting and durable model
  • Reviews are overwhelmingly positive

Cons:

  • Only shows one lung (right)
  • Does not come apart or allow for deconstruction/layer removal

Eisco Labs offers a right human lung anatomical model that is life-size and accurate and is one of the most realistic lung models we’ve reviewed. It is ideal for all educational settings, including both students and teachers.

As you will see, though, it’s only downfall is that it only models the right lung.

Lung Model Features:

  • Full size 1:1 anatomically accurate model of the human lung
  • Display stand
  • Durable plastic construction
  • A whole lung that splits into two pieces to show internal structures

Pros:

  • One of the least expensive models available, great for educators on a budget
  • Full size, accurate to adult anatomy
  • Removable half to reveal internal structures provides a much better overall approach to education, allowing the lung to appear normally prior to deconstruction

Cons:

  • Only shows one lung (right)
  • Internal structures are not all painted realistically but are artificially painted to segregate different systems, which may be confusing to some students
  • No reviews at present

Coming in at #3 on our list is another great entry from Eisco Labs, the Advanced Heart and Lungs Model offers a complete representation of the human heart and lungs together as one complete structure.

Lung Model Features:

  • Complete representation of the heart, lungs, larynx, windpipe, subclavian artery, bronchial tree, venous structures, aorta, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and diaphragm
  • Hand-painted detail with labeled parts and a reference key card
  • Attached to a backer board to keep the unit together
  • 6 removable parts including the lobes of the lung, heart, and larynx

Pros:

  • Provides context for the complete heart and lung systems
  • Highly affordable among other lung models
  • The body parts are made of a very durable, plastic material

Cons:

  • Not full size (slightly smaller)
  • Hand-painted means there is some variability, and some consumer complaints about paint rubbing off
  • No stand, since it is attached to a backer board
  • Metal pings holding various parts together can become loose over time

The 4D Master Respiratory Anatomy Model offers a different approach than some of the other lung models on this list.

It comes in 21 pieces designed to be fitted together in order to build the completed model, which will give it’s owner a hands-on educational experience.

Lung Model Features:

  • 21 hand-painted parts that fit together to form a completed model of the respiratory system
  • Display stand on which to build the model
  • Assembly instructions and educational reference card included

Pros:

  • Vivid, hand-painted plastic parts
  • Assembly provides for a hands-on approach to learning the respiratory anatomy
  • Durable plastic construction
  • Affordable compared to other models on the market

Cons:

  • Painting on parts is not true to what real-life lungs look like
  • Size is smaller than real life (7-8” in height overall when the lung alone should be that height)
  • Some consumers have indicated difficulty in assembling and keeping the finished model in the assembled state
  • Quality of overall model is somewhat less than that of lab-grade or clinical-grade, pre-assembled models, though this is understandable given the price and intent as an assembly kit rather than a pre-made model

This Human Respiratory System Model from Walter Products is an excellent lung model one of the most complete structures on the market today.

While more expensive than many other lung models, this is largely due to the quality, craftsmanship, and utility of this piece of beauty.

As with most things in life, you have to pay a little more in order to get the best quality. So even though this model is more expensive, it’s still one of the best on the market today.

Lung Model Features:

  • Full life-size model of the respiratory system
  • 7 removable parts to allow for thorough inspection and interaction of how the respiratory system works
  • Largely realistic painting and texturing of the various parts of the model
  • Attached to a backer board to keep the model together

Pros:

  • High quality, durable plastic construction
  • The removable dissected parts (larynx, trachea, lung, heart) along with related systems allow for better interaction and understanding of how the systems work
  • Large, 1:1 accurate scale

Cons:

  • More expensive than other models, mostly due to the higher quality of construction
  • Has less positive reviews by consumers than other models
  • Not freestanding, as it is attached to a supporting backer board

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. Now you have access to all the information you need in order to purchase one of the best lung models that is out there on the market today. Hopefully this information can help make that process easy for you. 

So whether you’re a student or teacher, you can now easily get your hand on a lung model to fit your needs. Thank you so much for reading and as always, breathe easy my friend. 

Written by:

John Landry, BS, RRT

John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.