Organ
Lobar (secondary) bronchi
Airways assigned to individual lung lobes
High-yield
The usual count follows the lobes: three on the right and two on the left. A lingular airway belongs to the left superior lobe.
Overview
Lobar bronchi are the next main divisions after the right and left main bronchi. Their branching delivers air to each lobe, then continues into segmental bronchi.
Reference facts
- Location
- Branches of the main bronchial tree near the hila and within the lungs
- Parts
- Right superior, middle and inferior; left superior and inferior lobar bronchi
- Blood supply
- Bronchial arterial branches supplying the airway walls
- Innervation
- Autonomic and sensory fibers of the pulmonary plexus
- Relations
- Pulmonary arterial branches accompany the bronchial tree; pulmonary venous branches follow a different pattern
- Function
- Distribute airflow among the lobes and clear airway secretions toward the main bronchi
Clinical correlation
Obstruction of a lobar airway can cause loss of aeration or infection beyond the obstruction. The appearance depends on its completeness, duration and collateral ventilation.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the lobar (secondary) bronchi located?
Branches of the main bronchial tree near the hila and within the lungs.
What does the lobar (secondary) bronchi do?
Distribute airflow among the lobes and clear airway secretions toward the main bronchi.
What are the parts of the lobar (secondary) bronchi?
Right superior, middle and inferior; left superior and inferior lobar bronchi.
What is the blood supply of the lobar (secondary) bronchi?
The lobar (secondary) bronchi is supplied by the bronchial arterial branches supplying the airway walls.