What is the respiratory portion?
- the conducting portion leads into this portion
- it allows for gas exchange between air and blood
- important because cells need to absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide to survive
- at this level, walls are one cell layer thick and gases are able to cross the membrane easily
Which lung is larger and why?
The right lung is slightly larger than the left due to the positioning of the heart.
How many lobes does the left lung have?
Two - the superior and inferior lobes
Describe the structure of the left lung.
Has two lobes: superior and inferior lobe
Superior lobe:
- Contains the cardiac notch (a depression on the anterior border of the lung that accommodates the space taken up by the apex of the heart)
-There is also a small outward facing process called the lingula, that covers the heart.
Has one fissure called the oblique fissure that separates the superior and inferior lobe.
Describe the structure of the right lung.
Has three lobes: superior, middle and inferior lobe
Has two fissures that separate the lobes: the horizontal and oblique fissures.
What are the different surfaces of the lungs called?
Apex, diaphragmatic, costal, and mediastinal.
What is the apex surface of the lung?
The most superior point of the lung, sits just above the first rib
What is the diaphragmatic surface of the lung?
The lung sits superiorly to the diaphragm, a dome-shaped skeletal muscle.
The base of the lung is known as the diaphragmatic surface (since its sits on top of the diaphragm)
What is the costal surface of the lung?
- Named after the adjacent ribs
- Curves around the lateral aspect of the lung
What is the mediastinal surface of the lung?
- The medial surface
- Contains the entry and exit points for all vessels and airways at a structure known as the hilus
What are pleural membranes?
- pleura consist of two continous membranes that form a sac around each lung
- the pleura secretes pleural fluid
