Right lung, upper lobe
Lobus superior pulmonis dextri
RespiratoryOrgansThoraxRight side
- What it is
- The right upper lobe fills the apex and upper front of the right lung, above the horizontal fissure and in front of the upper part of the oblique fissure.
- Function
- Gas exchange; it is ventilated by the right upper lobe bronchus through its apical, posterior and anterior segments.
- Size
- About 20% of total lung volume; its apex rises 2–3 cm above the medial third of the clavicle.
- Clinical note
- Because the apex projects into the root of the neck, subclavian line insertion or a stab wound there can cause a pneumothorax; apical (Pancoast) tumours can compress the brachial plexus and sympathetic chain.