Lung lobes
Lobi pulmonales
Definition
Pulmonary lobes are anatomical subdivisions of the lung defined primarily by the branching pattern of the bronchial tree, rather than solely by the presence of visible external fissures.
Lobar and lobular morphology differs significantly between domestic species and humans:
Dogs, cats, cattle, pigs:
Right lung: 4 lobes (cranial, middle, caudal, accessory).
Left lung: cranial lobe and caudal lobe.
Horse:
Right lung: 2 to 3 lobes (cranial, caudal, accessory).
Left lung: 2 lobes (cranial and caudal).
Human:
Right lung: 2 to 3 lobes (superior, middle, inferior).
Left lung: 2 lobes (superior and inferior).
References
König HE, Liebich HG. Veterinary Anatomy of Domestic Mammals: Textbook and Colour Atlas. 7th ed. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2020.
Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing CJG. Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy. 5th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2017.
Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (NAV). 6th ed. Hannover: Editorial Committee, World Association of Veterinary Anatomists; 2017.
