The right lung has three lobes.
Understanding Lung Lobes
Lungs are divided into sections called lobes. This lobar structure helps to improve lung function and flexibility. The number of lobes differs between the left and right lungs.
Differences Between the Right and Left Lungs
| Feature | Right Lung | Left Lung |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Lobes | Three | Two |
| Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Fissures | Major (oblique) and minor (horizontal) | Major (oblique) |
The Right Lung's Lobes
As mentioned in the reference, the right lung contains three lobes:
- Upper Lobe: Located at the top of the lung.
- Middle Lobe: Situated between the upper and lower lobes.
- Lower Lobe: The bottom section of the lung.
These lobes are separated by two fissures:
- Major Fissure: This fissure runs diagonally and divides the lower lobe from the upper and middle lobes.
- Minor Fissure: This fissure runs horizontally and separates the upper and middle lobes.
The Left Lung's Lobes
The left lung is slightly smaller and only has two lobes:
- Upper Lobe
- Lower Lobe
These lobes are separated by the major fissure which runs obliquely.
The difference in the number of lobes is partly due to the space taken up by the heart, which is situated slightly to the left of the chest's midline.
