Vertebral surface of lung
Facies vertebralis pulmonis
- Latin synonym: Pars vertebralis faciei medialis pulmonis
- Synonym: Vertebral part of medial surface of lung
- Related terms: Vertebral part; Costal surface: Vertebral part
Definition
The vertebral surface of the lung (Vertebral part; Posterior mediastinal surface) refers to the portion of the medial surface of each lung that lies adjacent to the thoracic vertebral bodies. It is the deeply concave, posterior aspect of the lung that rests against the vertebral column and the paravertebral gutters (costovertebral sulci) within the thorax.
Key anatomical features:
It forms part of the medial surface of the lung, specifically the most posterior portion that abuts the lateral aspects of the thoracic vertebral bodies.
On the right lung, this surface is related to structures such as the azygos vein, esophagus, and thoracic sympathetic chain.
On the left lung, it is related to the descending thoracic aorta, esophagus, and thoracic sympathetic chain.
The parietal pleura (vertebral pleura) lines the vertebral bodies and reflects onto this surface, creating the posterior costovertebral recess (posterior pleural sulcus), into which the lung extends during deep inspiration.
Posteriorly, the lower border of the lung extends to approximately the level of the T12 vertebra (and in some individuals even to L1), making this the deepest extent of lung tissue in the thorax.
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