Anterior segmental bronchus of right lung
Bronchus segmentalis anterior pulmonis dextri
- Latin synonym: Bronchus III pulmonis dextri
- Synonym: Bronchus 3 of right lung; B3
- Related terms: Anterior segmental bronchus [B III]
Definition
The anterior segmental bronchus of the right lung (B3) is one of the three segmental bronchi arising from the right upper lobe bronchus. It supplies the anterior bronchopulmonary segment (S3) of the right upper lobe.
Anatomical details:
The right upper lobe bronchus typically trifurcates into three segmental bronchi: the apical segmental bronchus (B1), the posterior segmental bronchus (B2), and the anterior segmental bronchus (B3). This classic trifurcation pattern (B1B2B3) is the most common, observed in approximately 59-64% of individuals.
B3 courses anteriorly and inferiorly to aerate the anterior segment of the right upper lobe, which lies along the anterior chest wall.
The anterior segment (segment 3) is frequently the volumetrically predominant segment of the right upper lobe, accounting for the largest segmental volume in over 50% of cases.
Branching variants are clinically important. While the typical trifurcation is most common, bifurcated patterns (e.g., B1+2 with separate B3, or B2+3 with separate B1) occur in a significant minority of patients.
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