Right lower lobe segmental bronchi

Segmental bronchi · Superior Medial basal Anterior basal Lateral basal Posterior basal

Five segmental bronchi. The superior (apical) segmental bronchus points backwards from the top of the lower lobe, and the four basal bronchi (medial, anterior, lateral, posterior) fan out to the diaphragmatic surface. The posterior basal segment is the most dependent part of the tree in the erect lung; the superior segment is the most dependent when supine.

Traced from the start

  1. Trachea
  2. Right main bronchus
  3. Right lower lobe bronchus
  4. Right lower lobe segmental bronchi

Detail

Segments
Superior (6), medial basal (7), anterior basal (8), lateral basal (9), posterior basal (10)
Superior segment
Opens posteriorly, opposite the middle lobe bronchus; the lowest point of the airway when lying flat
Posterior basal segment
The lowest point of the airway when erect

When it goes wrong

Aspiration in a supine, unconscious, post-ictal or intoxicated patient

Superior segment of the right lower lobe (and posterior segment of the upper lobe); foul sputum and an anaerobic lung abscess with an air-fluid level after one to two weeks

Aspiration or inhaled foreign body while sitting or standing

Posterior basal segment of the right lower lobe

Postural drainage in bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis

Each basal segment is drained by tipping the patient so that its segmental bronchus points downwards

Practise this structure

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