The inferior (lower) lobe of the right lung lies below and behind the oblique fissure and forms most of the back and base of the right lung. It rests on the right dome of the diaphragm, above the liver. It has five segments: superior and four basal segments.
| Location | Posterior and lower part of the right lung, from about the level of T3-T4 behind down to the diaphragm. |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Pulmonary plexus; Vagus nerve (parasympathetic, bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion); Sympathetic fibres from T2-T5 ganglia (bronchodilation) |
| Blood Supply | Right pulmonary artery (lower lobe branches); Bronchial arteries |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Provides a large share of right lung gas exchange; in the upright position the bases receive the most ventilation and blood flow.
Aspirated material most commonly reaches the right lower lobe, the posterior basal segment when upright and the superior segment when lying on the back. Lower lobe pneumonia can cause pain referred to the upper abdomen and be mistaken for abdominal disease. Crackles from lower lobe disease are best heard at the back of the chest.
Infection after inhaling oral or stomach contents, typically in the right lower lobe. People with reduced consciousness or swallowing problems are at risk.
Partial collapse of the lung bases, common after abdominal surgery or with shallow breathing. Deep breathing exercises and mobilisation help prevent it.
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