Lungs And Pleura Flashcards
Describe the appearance of healthy lungs
Tissue is normally white (CT)
Turns pink when perfumed with blood
Describe the lymphatics in the lungs
Has a v rich lymphatic system, many macrophages
Lymphatic vessels reach nodes in hilum => infratracheal => paratracheal => circulation
How many lobes can be found on each lung and what are they all separated by?
Why are there different number of lobes on each side
R
RUL, transverse fissure, RML, oblique fissure, RLL
L
LUL, oblique fissure, LLL
L only has 2, heart is mainly on L
If 1 lobe is infected, only a small proportion of the total lung is affected
What sections of the lungs surround the heart
Cardiac notch on both lungs
L has lingula, loops around border of the heart
Describe the location of the fissures and how this would affect examination?
R
Horizontal fissure starts obliquely from post => horizontal
L
Oblique fissure splits L so LUL can only be examined from the front and LLL can only be examined from back
Describe 2 ways to image the lungs
CT/MRI, blood in pulmonary vessels can be seen
V vascular structures like cancers can also be seen
Radioactive isotopes in the blood targets glucose, can see which areas are metabolically active
- Bones
- Tumours
Describe how a pneumothorax would affect expiration if there is a patent hole
Expiration
As you breathe out, air also escapes via hole in PC
All structures move towards hole
Inspiration
As you breathe in, air also taken up via hole in PC
All structures move away from hole
Describe how a pneumothorax would affect ventilation if the hole is not always patent
Expiration (closed)
Acts as a valve so air cannot enter here
Internal structures move away slightly from the hole
Inspiration (open)
Valve opens, max P on affected side
Pushes lungs and heart to other side => tension pneumothorax
What is a tension pneumothorax
Puts +ve P on heart and intrathoracic structures
What would you expect to see in an image of a pneumothorax
Pleural stripe, shows where lung isn’t present
What would you expect to see in an image of pneumonia
Fluid consolidation (from immune response) Can be restricted to a lobe, can see difference between affected and unaffected lobes
What would you expect to see in an image of a pleural effusion
Appears white as irritants stimulate serous fluid production in PC
Insert chest drain in lower intercostal spaces to remove fluid
Describe the structure and function of the bronchopulmonary segments
Segments in each lobe, dictated by tertiary branches (3rd segmental division)
L has 2 lobar bronchi
R has 3 lobar bronchi
V well defined, each segment supplied by specific segmental bronchus and arteries
What structures are found in the lung root and their relative locations
Bronchus behind
Arteries above and in front
Veins below, this is due to how vessels leave and enter the heart
Lymphatics, PNS vagus, SNS T1-5
Pulmonary ligament at the bottom
Relationships of the R lung hilum
Oesophagus post to lung root
SVC and IVC found ant to lung root
Azygos comes post to oesophagus but comes ant to join with SVC
Subclavian artery superior to lung root
Smaller cardiac notch
Veins generally found on R
