The left lung is slightly smaller than the right because the heart bulges to the left. It is divided by the oblique fissure into superior and inferior lobes. Its front border has a deep cardiac notch, below which a tongue-shaped part of the superior lobe called the lingula hangs.
| Location | Left side of the thoracic cavity, beside the mediastinum and heart, resting on the left dome of the diaphragm. |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Nerve Supply | Pulmonary plexus; Vagus nerve (parasympathetic, bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion); Sympathetic fibres from T2-T5 ganglia (bronchodilation) |
| Blood Supply | Left pulmonary artery; Left bronchial arteries |
| Venous drainage |
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| Lymphatic drainage |
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Provides slightly less than half of the total gas exchange capacity.
The cardiac notch leaves part of the pericardium uncovered by lung, which is relevant to penetrating chest injuries and needle approaches to the heart. Lingular disease blurs the left heart border on X-ray, while left lower lobe collapse hides behind the heart. The left recurrent laryngeal nerve hooks under the aortic arch near the left lung root, so left upper lung tumours can cause hoarseness.
Collapse of the lobe behind the heart, often after surgery or with mucus plugging. It can be missed on X-ray unless specifically looked for.
Air in the pleural space causing the lung to collapse partly or completely. It causes sudden chest pain and breathlessness.
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