Lungs Flashcards
Oblique fissure (major)
similar in both lungs, the posterior aspect is superior and located at the second thoracic vertebrae. The anterior aspect is inferior and located at the sixth costochondral junction
L: separates the superior and inferior lobes
R: separates the superior from the inferior posteriorly; separates the middle from inferior lobes anteriorly
Horizontal fissure
RIGHT LUNG ONLY
sports the superior lobe from the middle lob
Impressions on the medial surface of right lung
grooves for: superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, esophagus, azygos vein
cardiac impression
Impressions on medial surface of left lung
grooves for arch and descending aorta, subclavian artery
LARGE cardiac impression
Hilus
at the central, medial aspect of either lung, the point where structures forming the root leave and enter the lung.
At the inferior aspect of the hilus, the visceral pleura reflects and forms the pulmonary ligament
Root
formed by all structures of the lung that enter or leave the lung covered by a pleural sleeve
Bronchial arteries
Right lung - bronchial arteries are derived from intercostal arteries, aorta or left highest intercostal artery.
Left Lung - bronchial arteries are derived from the descending thoracic aorta
Pulmonary arteries
R: located anterior to the secondary bronchi
L: located superior to the secondary bronchi
(carry deoxygenated blood)
Pulmonary veins
are located anterior and inferior to the arteries and bronchi, cary oxygenated blood
Trachea
flexible tube which is supported by about 20 tracheal cartilages.
Anteriorly - cartilages are horseshoe shaped rings.
Posteriorly - trachealis muscle (smooth muscle) which changes the diameter of the trachea according to sympathetic (increased diameter).
Carina - cartilaginous projection of the last tracheal ring.
Parietal pleura
pleura which lines the pulmonary cavity and is named according to the area of the thoracic cavity that it covers. Thus, parietal pleura has cervical, costal, diaphragmatic and mediastinal parts
Visceral pleura
pleura that invests the lungs and provides a slippery surface that enables the lungs to move freely against the parietal pleura. It covers all surfaces of the lungs including the horizontal and oblique fissures
Pleural recess
are formed between the parietal and visceral pleura forming potential spaces allowing maximum expansion of the lung during forced ventilation. Two which you should know are:
costodiaphragmatic recess.
costomediastinal recess
Posterior mediastinum boundaries
Pericardium anteriorly
Thoracic vertebrae posteriorly
Posterior mediastinum contents
Descending thoracic aorta and its branches Esophagus Thoracic duct Right lymphatic duct Azygos & Hemiazygos veins Sympathetic Chain Greater, Lesser & Least Splanchnic nn. Esophageal plexus (Vagus n.)
