The lungs are the paired, essential organs of respiration.

Anterior view of the lungs (costal surface)

Description

The two lungs differ in size and shape:

  • The right lung is slightly bigger and heavier
  • The left lung has a thin part which is between the heart and the great vessels, and the ribs

The positions and projections are described at rest — between inspiration and expiration.

Fissures and lobes

  • Both lungs have an oblique fissure running from the head of the 3rd rib to the sternal end of the 6th rib
  • The right lung also has an additional transverse (horizontal) fissure running along the 4th rib
  • These fissures divide the lungs into lobes:
    • The right lung has three (superior, middle and inferior)
    • The left has two (superior and inferior).

Segments

There are 10 segments in each lung:

  • The left lung has 5 in each lobe
  • The right lung has 3 in the superior, 2 in the middle and 5 in the inferior lobe

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