Lungs and Tracheobronchial Tree

Question 1

What are the differences between the Right and Left (Primary) Bronchi?

Answer 1

1. The Right main bronchus is shorter and wider than the Left main bronchus.
2. The Right main bronchus has a smaller angle from the midline than the Left main bronchus.
3. The Right main bronchus has a larger angle from the trachea than the Left main bronchus.

Question 2

Where do main (primary) bronchi, lobar (secondary) bronchi, and segmental (tertiary) bronchi run and how many of each are there?

Answer 2

1. Main (Primary) Bronchi to Lungs: 1 on Right, 1 on Left
2. Lobar (Secondary) Bronchi to Lobes: 3 on Right, 2 on Left
3. Segmental (Tertiary) Bronchi to Bronchopulmonary Segments: A lot on each side

Question 3

Where does the Larynx end and the Trachea begin?

Answer 3

Between the Cricoid Cartilage of the Larynx and the 1st Tracheal Cartilage of the Trachea at the level of C6

Question 4

What is the Carina?

Answer 4

The vertical component of the most inferior tracheal cartilage which marks the bifurcation of the trachea into the left and right main bronchi

Question 5

What muscle completes the C-shaped cartilage on the posterior aspect?

Answer 5

The Trachealis Muscle

Question 6

What are Tracheal Cartilages made of?

Answer 6

Hyaline Cartilage

Question 7

What are the Lobes and fissure of the Right and Left Lung?

Answer 7

1. Right Lung: Superior, Middle, and Inferior Lobes; Oblique and Horizontal Fissures
2. Left Lung: Superior and Inferior Lobes; Oblique fissure

Question 8

What is a Bronchopulmonary Segment?

Answer 8

The Largest division of a lobe and the smallest division of the lung where there is not air diffusion between compartments

Question 9

Where is the Apex of the Lung located?

Answer 9

Through the Superior thoracic aperture

Question 10

What are the surfaces of the lung?

Answer 10

1. Costal surface
2. Mediastinal/Medial Surface
3. Diaphragmatic/Inferior Surface

Question 11

What impressions are present in the mediastinal/medial surface of the lung?

Answer 11

1. Aortic Arch and Descending Aorta (left lung only)

2. Cardiac Impression (Both lungs)

Question 12

What are the components of the Root of the Lung from anterior to posterior and superior to inferior?

Answer 12

1. Pulmonary Artery
2. Superior and Inferior Pulmonary veins
3. Main (Primary) Bronchus
4. Nerves (Autonomics from PSNS and SNS)
5. Lymph Nodes
6. Bronchial Arteries from Aorta

Question 13

What is the Hilus/Hilum of the lung?

Answer 13

The depression that contains the root of the lung

Question 14

What are the Anterior, Posterior, and Inferior Borders formed by?

Answer 14

1. Anterior Border: Costal Surface and Mediastinal/Medial Surface Anteriorly
2. Posterior Surface: Costal Surface and Mediastinal/Medial Surface Posteriorly
3. Inferior Border: Mediastinal/Medial Surface and Diaphragmatic/Inferior Surface

Question 15

Where are the Cardiac Notch and Lingula Located and what is the importance of the Cardiac Notch?

Answer 15

• Both located on the Anterior Border of the Left lung only
• Cardiac Notch at the level of T4-T6
• Cardiac Notch is access point for needle going into heart