The segmental (tertiary) bronchi are branches of the lobar bronchi, each supplying one bronchopulmonary segment. There are usually ten on the right and eight to ten on the left, depending on whether some left segments share a bronchus. Each is accompanied by a segmental branch of the pulmonary artery.
| Location | Inside each lobe, running from the lobar bronchi into the centre of each bronchopulmonary segment. |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Pulmonary plexus; Vagus nerve (parasympathetic, bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion); Sympathetic fibres from T2-T5 ganglia (bronchodilation) |
| Blood Supply | Bronchial arteries |
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Deliver air to individual bronchopulmonary segments, the smallest regions of lung that can be removed surgically on their own.
Knowing segmental anatomy guides bronchoscopy, localises disease on scans and underpins postural drainage, where patients are positioned so gravity drains a particular segment. The superior segment of the lower lobe is a common site for aspiration in a person lying on their back. Segmentectomy can remove small tumours while preserving lung function.
Infection confined to one bronchopulmonary segment. Its location can hint at the cause, such as aspiration into dependent segments.
Thick secretions blocking segmental airways, common in asthma, cystic fibrosis and after surgery. It causes segmental collapse and breathlessness.
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