Right main bronchus

Bronchus principalis dexter

RespiratoryOrgansThoraxRight side

View in 3D

What it is
The right main (primary) bronchus leaves the carina only about 25° from the vertical and is shorter and wider than the left.
Function
Carries air into the right lung, giving off the upper lobe bronchus before continuing as the bronchus intermedius.
Size
About 2.5 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter.
Clinical note
Its steep, wide course is why inhaled objects and an endotracheal tube pushed too far usually enter the right side.