Superior segmental bronchus of right lung
Bronchus segmentalis superior pulmonis dextri
- Latin synonym: Bronchus VI pulmonis dextri
- Synonym: Bronchus 6 of right lung; B6
- Eponym: Nelson's bronchus
- Related terms: Superior segmental bronchus [B VI]
Definition
The superior segmental bronchus of the right lung (B6; Nelson's bronchus) is the segmental bronchus that arises from the right lower lobe bronchus and supplies the superior segment (S6) of the right lower lobe.
B6 is the first branch of the right lower lobe (inferior lobe) bronchus. It arises from the posterior aspect of the lower lobe bronchus, typically at or just below the level of the middle lobe bronchus takeoff, and courses posteriorly and superiorly.
It ventilates the superior segment of the right lower lobe, which occupies the apex (uppermost portion) of the lower lobe, situated posteriorly against the vertebral column and bounded superiorly by the oblique (major) fissure.
In the most common branching pattern of the right inferior lobe bronchial tree (~57% of cases), B6 arises as a distinct branch, followed by the basal segmental bronchi B7 (medial basal), B8 (anterior basal), B9 (lateral basal), and B10 (posterior basal).
B6 typically consists of a single stem in approximately 96.5% of cases, with two separate stems in the remaining 3.5%.
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