The root of the lung is the bundle of structures that connects each lung to the heart and trachea, entering the lung at the hilum. It is wrapped in a sleeve of pleura where the parietal pleura of the mediastinum turns back to become the visceral pleura of the lung. Below the root this sleeve extends down as the pulmonary ligament.
| Location | Between the mediastinum and the hilum of each lung, at about T5-T7; the phrenic nerve passes in front, the vagus nerve behind, the azygos vein arches over the right root and the aortic arch over the left. |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Pulmonary plexus (vagal and sympathetic fibres) |
| Blood Supply | Pulmonary artery; Bronchial arteries |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Anchors the lung to the mediastinum and carries all air, blood, lymph and nerve traffic between the lung and the rest of the body.
Surgeons control the structures of the root during pneumonectomy and lobectomy. Its close relations, including the phrenic and vagus nerves, the azygos vein on the right and the aortic arch on the left, explain why tumours of the lung root can cause diaphragm paralysis or hoarseness. Major blunt or deceleration trauma can tear structures in the root.
Tumour invasion of the phrenic nerve in front of the root, paralysing the diaphragm on that side. It shows as a raised hemidiaphragm on X-ray.
A tear in a main bronchus near the root from severe chest trauma. It causes air leaks, pneumothorax that does not resolve, and coughing up blood.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
