Resp System and Posterior Mediastinum Flashcards
Components of the Respiratory System
Nasal cavity, nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs
Carina
Bump/ring where the trachea divides to form the bronchi.
Differences between the Right and Left Bronchi
RIGHT: Shorter, more vertical, larger diameter (because right lung is larger)
LEFT: Longer (further to travel), more horizontal (arch of the aorta goes over the left main bronchus), smaller diameter (left lung is smaller to accommodate the heart).
Eparterial bronchus
Goes to superior lobe on the right side and is branch of the right bronchus. OFTEN TAGGED
Branching of the right bronchus
Branches into the:
- eparterial bronchus (branch to the upper lobe)
- bronchus intermedius aka hyparterial (branch to the middle/lower lobes)
Basic anatomical features of the lungs
Both lungs have an apex, base, root and hilum
What is the hilum of the lungs? What are the roots?
These terms are often interchangeable.
HILUM- structures that come and go from the lungs (pulmonary veins/arteries, bronchial vessels, nerves, lymphatics etc.)
ROOT- the lung tissue where these structures enter in
The parietal and visceral layers of the pleura are continuous where?
The Root
Distinct characteristics of the Left Lung
- 2 lobes (superior and inferior– divided by the oblique fissure)
- Lingula (tongue like extension of the superior lobe)
- The pulmonary artery is above (superior to) the bronchus
What divides the superior and inferior lobes of the left lung?
-The oblique fissure
Pulmonary ligament
A fold at the root of the lung which is composed of a double layer of parietal pleura which is extending towards the hilum.
Most vessels are Posterior or Anterior to the Bronchus?
Anterior
Pulmonary trunk/arteries are Inferior or Superior to the pulmonary veins?
Superior. The veins are mostly in back of the heart, on the posterior side.
Distinct characteristics of the Right Lung
- 3 lobes (superior, middle and inferior)
- 2 fissures (oblique, horizontal)
- The pulmonary artery is NOT superior to the bronchus– they are at the same level, because the eparterial bronchus branches high.
Oblique fissure
Divides the superior from inferior (posteriorly)