Lungs

Lungs

Pair of respiratory organs situated in the thoracic cavity that facilitate breathing.

Bronchopulmonary segments

Well-defined anatomical segments of the lungs, each aerated by a tertiary bronchus.

Right lung

Shorter, broader lung that has three lobes and is heavier than the left lung.

Left lung

Longer, narrower lung with a deeper cardiac impression and two lobes.

Mediastinum

Space in the thoracic cavity separating the right and left lungs.

Cardiac notch

An indentation in the anterior border of the left lung to accommodate the heart.

Pulmonary artery

Vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

Pulmonary veins

Vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart.

Oblique fissure

A fissure in the lungs that separates lobes; present in both left and right lungs.

Lingula

A tongue-shaped projection of the left lung that corresponds to the middle lobe of the right lung.

Pleura

Membranes surrounding the lungs that facilitate lubrication and protection.

Alveoli

Microscopic sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Respiratory bronchiole

Small airways in the lungs that lead to the alveolar sacs.

Vagus nerve

Parasympathetic nerve that plays a role in innervating the lungs.

Bronchial arteries

Arteries that provide oxygenated blood to the bronchial tree and supporting lung tissue.

Carina

The ridge at the base of the trachea which divides it into the left and right bronchi.

Pulmonary surfactant

Substance produced in the alveoli that reduces surface tension and keeps the air sacs open.

Bronchial tree

The branching system of bronchi and bronchioles that conducts air into the lungs.

Thoracic cavity

The chamber of the body that contains the lungs and heart.

Lungs expansion

The process by which the lungs fill with air, maximally occurring in an inferior direction.

Lymphatic drainage of lungs

The process by which lymphatic vessels remove excess fluid and waste from lung tissues.

Splanchnic mesenchyme

Mesodermal tissue that contributes to the development of the lungs.

Trachea

The airway that connects the throat to the lungs, bifurcating into the primary bronchi.

Eparterial bronchus

The bronchus that is located above the corresponding pulmonary artery, found on the right side.

Hyparterial bronchus

The bronchus located below the corresponding pulmonary artery, found on the right side.

Azygos vein

Vein that drains blood from the chest wall and upper lumbar region into the superior vena cava.

Conducting zone

The part of the respiratory system that includes all the airways down to the terminal bronchioles, primarily responsible for airflow.

Respiratory zone

The part of the respiratory system where gas exchange occurs, including the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.

Pleural cavity

The potential space between the pleurae surrounding each lung, which helps reduce friction during breathing.

Intrapleural pressure

The pressure within the pleural cavity, which is typically negative relative to atmospheric pressure, assisting lung expansion.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle of respiration that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and helps with lung expansion.

Secondary bronchi

The branches of the primary bronchi that supply each lobe of the lungs, known as lobar bronchi.

Tertiary bronchi

The branches of the secondary bronchi that serve the bronchopulmonary segments of each lobe.

Lung fissures

The divisions within the lungs that separate different lobes; includes oblique and horizontal fissures.

Gas exchange

The process by which oxygen is taken into the body and carbon dioxide is expelled, occurring in the alveoli.

Pulmonary embolism

A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots.

Barrel chest

A condition characterized by an increased anteroposterior diameter of the thorax, often associated with chronic lung diseases.

Thoracotomy

Surgical procedure that involves making an incision into the chest wall to access the thoracic cavity.

Pneumothorax

The presence of air in the pleural cavity, which can lead to lung collapse.