left lung

The left lung is one of two lungs, located in the left hemithorax on the left of the heart and mediastinum.

There are a few differences between the two lungs:

  • The left lung is smaller in volume than the right lung, with a smaller transverse dimension (due to the heart on the left) but a larger longitudinal dimension (due to the liver causing the right hemidiaphragm to be higher than the left).
  • The left main bronchus also differs to the right main bronchus, as it is shorter, smaller caliber and more horizontal.
  • The left lung has just one fissure: the oblique fissure.
  • The left lung contains 2 lobes and 8 bronchopulmonary segments:
  • For a detailed description of lung anatomy and function, see the lung article here.

    Siehe auch: