What are bronchopulmonary segments?

Bronchopulmonary segments are the functional units of the lungs. They are pyramidal subdivisions of a lung lobe, each supplied by a segmental bronchus and artery, with pulmonary veins located between segments.

How many bronchopulmonary segments are in each lung?

Each lung has 10 bronchopulmonary segments, organized by lobe. For example, the right lung includes segments like the Apical and Posterior in the superior lobe, while the left lung has variations such as the lingular segments.

What is the clinical importance of bronchopulmonary segments?

They enable segmental resection, a surgical procedure to remove a diseased segment while preserving healthy lung tissue. This is useful for conditions like tuberculosis or localized tumors, with care taken to preserve intersegmental veins.

How are bronchopulmonary segments supplied with blood and air?

Each segment receives one segmental bronchus for air and one segmental pulmonary artery branch for blood. Pulmonary veins drain blood in the connective tissue between segments.

What are the key anatomical features of a bronchopulmonary segment?

Key features include a pyramidal shape with apex at the hilum and base at the lung surface, surrounded by connective tissue, and having independent lymphatic and nerve supply.

Why are bronchopulmonary segments considered surgical units?

They are considered surgical units because their distinct boundaries and independent blood/air supply allow for precise removal in procedures like segmental resection, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Bronchopulmonary Segments – Surgical Lung Anatomy