Bronchopulmonary segment : easy and brief description

Bronchopulmonary segment

1.       Definition: it  is anatomical , functional and surgical subdivision of lung which is supplied by  tertiary (segmental ) bronchus

2.       Conducting part of bronchopulmonary segment is supplied by bronchial artery (contain O 2 rich blood)

3.       And respiratory part of bronchopulmonary segment is supplied by pulmonary artery  (contain CO2 rich blood )

4.       Shape : roughly pyramidal in shape, 

5.       Apex of pyramid towards the hilum

6.       Base of pyramid towards the surface

7.       Each segment is separated by other by connective tissue , which contain pulmonary vein (O2 rich blood) and lymphatic.

8.       Importance: it is important because a surgeon can remove one segment without seriously disrupting surrounding segment

9.       Number of bronchopulmonary segment  in each lung : 10

Right lung

Upper lobe

1.       Apical

2.       Posterior

3.       Anterior

Middle lobe

4.       Lateral

5.       Medial

Lower  lobe

1.       Apical

2.       Medial basal

3.       Anterior basal

4.       Lateral basal

5.       Posterior basal

Left lung

Upper lobe

1.       Apical

2.       Posterior

3.       Anterior

4.       Superior lingula

5.       Inferior lingula

Lower lobe

6.Apical

7.Medial basal

8.Anterior basal

9.Lateral basal

10.Posterior basal

On both sides the apical segment of lower lobe is supplied by a bronchus which is the highest to arise from the posterior surface of bronchial tree

Material aspirated by a supine, comatose, or anaesthetized patient would tend to gravitate into apical segment of right lower lobe which consequently a common site for aspiration pneumonia and abscess

Formation