Right lower lobe bronchus

Lobar bronchi · 5 segments Straightest path

The direct posterior continuation of the bronchus intermedius, and therefore the straightest path from the trachea. It gives the superior (apical) segmental bronchus from its posterior wall almost immediately, then four basal segmental bronchi.

Traced from the start

  1. Trachea
  2. Right main bronchus
  3. Right lower lobe bronchus

Detail

Origin
Continuation of the bronchus intermedius beyond the middle lobe bronchus
Branches
Superior (apical) segmental bronchus first, then medial, anterior, lateral and posterior basal bronchi
Why it matters
The most vertical route from the trachea, so the default destination for inhaled material in the erect adult

When it goes wrong

Inhaled foreign body or aspiration while erect

Right lower lobe consolidation or collapse, classically the posterior basal segment; a peanut or tooth is found at bronchoscopy

Aspiration while supine or obtunded

Superior segment of the right lower lobe: anaerobic lung abscess with an air-fluid level one to two weeks later

Right lower lobe collapse

Loss of the right hemidiaphragm outline with a preserved right heart border; triangular density behind the heart

Practise this structure

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