

The right lung consists of three lobes: the superior, middle, and inferior lobes. Fissures separate these lobes from each other. The mediastinal surface faces the midline.Įach lung is composed of smaller units called lobes. The costal surface of the lung borders the ribs. The apex of the lung is the superior region, whereas the base is the opposite region near the diaphragm. The cardiac notch is an indentation on the surface of the left lung, and it allows space for the heart ( Figure 22.13). The right lung is shorter and wider than the left lung, and the left lung occupies a smaller volume than the right. The lungs are enclosed by the pleurae, which are attached to the mediastinum. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs and thoracic cavity. The lungs are pyramid-shaped, paired organs that are connected to the trachea by the right and left bronchi on the inferior surface, the lungs are bordered by the diaphragm. To this end, the lungs exchange respiratory gases across a very large epithelial surface area-about 70 square meters-that is highly permeable to gases. The main function of the lungs is to perform the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with air from the atmosphere.

Describe the overall function of the lung.By the end of this section, you will be able to:
