Lung Anatomy and Respiratory System Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering lung anatomy, bronchial tree structures, histological wall layers, and pulmonary vasculature based on the lecture.

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity where the heart is located.

Left Lung

The lung containing two lobes, an oblique fissure, and a cardiac notch to accommodate the apex of the heart.

Right Lung

The lung containing three lobes separated by an oblique fissure and a horizontal fissure.

Carina

The bifurcation point at the base of the trachea where it branches into the left and right primary bronchi.

Primary Bronchi

Also called main bronchi; the initial left and right branches arising from the carina of the trachea.

Secondary Bronchi

Also called lobar bronchi; branches of the primary bronchi that supply each lobe of the lungs (two in the left lung, three in the right lung).

Tertiary Bronchi

Also called segmental bronchi; branches off the secondary bronchi, with 10 present in each lung.

Cardiac Notch

An indentation on the left lung where the apex of the heart intrudes into the left pleural space.

Hilum

A raised region on the medial surface of each lung where the primary bronchi, pulmonary veins, pulmonary arteries, and bronchial arteries enter and exit.

Right Main Bronchus

The shorter and wider primary bronchus where an inhaled foreign body is almost always found if lodged in the lungs.

Bronchopulmonary Segments

Surgically significant divisions of the lung (10 per side) served by a segmental bronchus, a branch of the bronchial artery, a branch of the pulmonary artery, and branches of pulmonary veins.

Alveoli

Clusters of air sacs located at the end of the respiratory tree surrounded by capillary beds to facilitate gas exchange.

Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium

The specialized mucosal epithelial lining in the upper bronchial tree containing hair-like cilia that propel mucus upward.

Submucosa

The layer of connective tissue located beneath the mucosa containing vasculature, nerve endings, and mucus-secreting glands.

C-shaped Cartilaginous Rings

Structures composed of hyaline cartilage in the tracheal wall that keep the trachea held open.

Trachealis

A skeletal muscle running the length of the trachea that sits between the trachea and the esophagus.

Bronchial Arteries

Arteries that bring oxygenated blood supply directly to the living tissue of the lungs.

Azygos System

The venous system responsible for draining deoxygenated blood from the lung tissue, eventually emptying into the superior vena cava.