Each lobe can be subdivided into even smaller portions called bronchopulmonary segments based on the segmental bronchi. A bronchopulmonary segment is the anatomical, physiological and surgical unit of the lung.

The bronchopulmonary segments are more or less pyramidal-shaped, separated from each other by a layer of connective tissue. Through the central part of each segment goes the corresponding segmental artery and segmental bronchus, after which the segment is named. The segmental veins are located in the periphery of the segments within the connective tissue that separates the segments. Each lung contains a different amount of fissures and lobes, and also bronchopulmonary segments.

Right lung

The right lung contains ten bronchopulmonary segments listed below.

The superior lobe has three bronchopulmonary segments: apical segment, posterior segment and anterior segment.
The middle lobe of the right lung contains two segments: lateral segment and medial segment.
The inferior lobe consists of five segments: superior segment, anterior basal segment, medial basal segment, lateral basal segment and posterior basal segment.

Left lung

The left lung has eight bronchopulmonary segments, and each lobe contains four segments listed below.

The superior lobe consists of the following four segments: apicoposterior segment, anterior segment, superior lingular segment and inferior lingular segment.
The inferior lobe of the left lung has four bronchopulmonary segments: superior segment, anteromedial basal segment, lateral basal segment and posterior basal segment.

Unlock with Premium

Bronchopulmonary segments