Base of lung

      Base of lung
      Illu quiz lung02.jpg
      1. Anterior border
      2. Mediastinal part
      3. Medial surface
      4. Inferior lobe
      5. Base of lung
      Illu quiz lung01.jpg
      1. Apex of lung
      2. Superior lobe
      3. Costal surface
      4. Middle lobe
      5. Inferior lobe
      6. Base of lung
      Latin basis pulmonis
      Gray's subject #240 1094

      The base of the lung is broad, concave, and rests upon the convex surface of the diaphragm, which separates the right lung from the right lobe of the liver, and the left lung from the left lobe of the liver, the stomach, and the spleen.

      Since the human diaphragm extends higher on the right than on the left side, the concavity on the base of the right lung is deeper than that on the left.

      Laterally and behind, the base is bounded by a thin, sharp margin which projects for some distance into the costodiaphragmatic recess of the pleura, between the lower ribs and the costal attachment of the diaphragm.

      The base of the lung descends during inspiration and ascends during expiration.

      Last modified on 6 October 2011, at 17:44