Anatomy of the lungs and pleura

Structures such as the trachea, bronchi, and lungs facilitate gas exchange; the vocal folds are part of the upper respiratory tract .

The pleural sacs surround the lungs, providing lubrication and separation to facilitate breathing mechanics.

The apex of each lung extends into the root of the neck, superior to the first rib.

Airway obstruction in the lower respiratory tract can result from aspiration, inflammation, or bronchoconstriction, hindering airflow.

The pleura are closely related to the ribs, providing a protective lining to the lungs and facilitating movement during breathing.

The lungs are located in the thoracic cavity, superior to the thoracoabdominal diaphragm, allowing for expansion and contraction during respiration.

Pulmonary veins collect oxygenated blood from the lungs and return it to the left atrium of the heart.

Bronchial arteries supply oxygenated blood to the tissues of the bronchial tree, supporting their metabolic needs.

The superficial lymphatic plexus drains to the bronchopulmonary nodes, filtering lymph and participating in immune responses.

The nerves of the lungs and visceral pleura contain parasympathetic (bronchoconstriction), sympathetic (bronchodilation), and afferent fibers (sensory information).

Parasympathetic fibers in the lungs cause bronchoconstriction, reducing airflow and increasing mucus secretion.

The phrenic nerves (C3-C5) convey pain and touch information from the diaphragm to the central nervous system.

The visceral pleura forms a closed sac around each lung, closely adhering to the lung tissue.

Pneumothorax is a collapsed lung caused by air entering the intrapleural space, disrupting the negative pressure needed for lung inflation.

The function of the pleural sac is to facilitate breathing by providing a low-friction environment for lung movement.

Adhesions between the pleural layers would reduce breathing efficiency by restricting lung movement and elasticity.

In a supine position, an aspirated object would most likely enter the right mainstem bronchus due to its more vertical orientation.

Bronchopulmonary segments are the largest subdivisions of lung lobes, each supplied by its own bronchus and artery.

The hilum of the lung allows the entry and exit of bronchi, vessels, and nerves into the lung.

The pulmonary ligament is a double fold of pleura that anchors the lung to the mediastinum, providing stability.

At the hilum of the lung, veins are anterior and inferior to arteries.

The right mainstem bronchus is more likely to receive an aspirated object due to being wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left.

In a supine individual, an aspirated object is most likely to end up in the lower lobe of the right lung due to anatomical positioning.

The carina, the bifurcation point of the trachea into the main bronchi, is located at the vertebral level T3.

Referred pain from the parietal pleura is conveyed to the thoracic wall and neck/shoulder via intercostal nerves and the phrenic nerve.

The phrenic nerve is composed of ventral rami of spinal nerves from C3, C4, and C5 levels.

As the pulmonary arteries and veins leave the heart, the pulmonary arteries are posterior to the pulmonary veins.

As the pulmonary arteries and veins reach the hilum of the lung, the pulmonary arteries are anterior to the pulmonary veins.

Bronchial arteries run in the septae between bronchopulmonary segments, supplying blood to the lung tissue.

The vagus nerve is responsible for bronchoconstriction, which is accomplished via smooth muscle contraction.