Dr. Ibiwoye / Lungs Flashcards
Lobes, fissures, hierarchical organization of airways, neurovasculature and lymphatic drainage, auscultation, lung pathology
Think about gas exchange and the role of pulmonary capillaries.
What is the primary function of the lungs?
To oxygenate blood by bringing inspired air into close contact with blood in the pulmonary capillaries.
Vital for respiration and maintaining oxygen levels in blood.
Consider thoracic cavity positioning and pleural sacs.
Describe the general location of the lungs.
Located in the lateral thoracic cavities, each lung is enclosed by a pleural sac and separated by the mediastinum.
The mediastinum also contains the heart.
Think about entry points for major lung structures.
What is the ‘hilum’ of the lung?
The entry point in the lung where the root structures like bronchi, vessels, nerves, and lymphatics enter.
Marks the gateway to each lung.
Recall the structural divisions of the right lung.
How many lobes does the right lung have, and what are they?
The right lung has three lobes: Superior, Middle, and Inferior. Divided by horizontal and oblique fissures.
Think about the left lung’s unique structures.
How many lobes does the left lung have, and what divides it?
The left lung has two lobes: Superior and Inferior, separated by the oblique fissure.
The left lung also has the cardiac notch.
Consider the different surfaces and borders.
What are the primary structural features of each lung?
Each lung has a base, an apex, three surfaces (mediastinal, costal, diaphragmatic), and three borders (anterior, posterior, inferior). Provides structural regions for clinical reference.
Think about adjacent organs and structures.
What major impressions are found on the medial surface of the right lung?
Heart, Inferior Vena Cava, Superior Vena Cava, Esophagus, Azygos vein, Right Subclavian artery & vein.
Impressions vary by lung and location.
Consider the heart’s position relative to the lungs.
What is the ‘cardiac notch’ and which lung features it?
The cardiac notch is an indentation for the heart’s position, found on the left lung.
Unique to the left lung.
Think about the vertebral level and structure involved.
Where does the trachea bifurcate into the main bronchi?
The trachea bifurcates into the right and left main bronchi at the level of the sternal angle (around T4/T5 vertebral level).
The carina is at the bifurcation.
Consider shape, size, and function.
What structural differences exist between the right and left main bronchi?
The right main bronchus is shorter, wider, and more vertical, making it more susceptible to inhaled objects.
Right bronchus is more direct for inhaled foreign bodies.
Think about functional independence and surgical relevance.
Define a bronchopulmonary segment.
A functionally independent lung area supplied by a segmental bronchus and pulmonary artery, smallest area removable without affecting others.
Allows segmental resection in surgery.
Consider gas exchange and alveolar cell types.
Describe the alveoli’s role in respiration.
Alveoli facilitate gas exchange between air and blood; type II alveolar cells produce surfactant to reduce surface tension.
Surfactant prevents alveolar collapse during expiration.
Think about the pulmonary circulation route.
What vessels supply oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to the lungs?
Pulmonary arteries bring deoxygenated blood to the lungs, while pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood back to the heart.
Vital for systemic and pulmonary circulation.
What nerve supplies the parasympathetic innervation to the lungs? Recall cranial nerves and their effects.
The Vagus nerve supplies parasympathetic innervation, causing bronchoconstriction. Vagus nerve effects seen in respiratory control.
What causes a pulmonary embolism? Consider potential causes and clinical implications.
Blockage of a pulmonary artery or branch by materials like air, fat, thrombus, amniotic fluid, or tumor, leading to impaired gas exchange. Can result in serious cardiovascular or respiratory issues.
