Space
Root of the lung
Structures connecting a lung to the mediastinum
High-yield
At the right root the superior lobar bronchus is above the pulmonary artery. This should not be confused with the right main bronchus, which lies behind the artery.
Overview
The lung root is the bundle of airway, vessels, nerves and lymphatics entering and leaving at the hilum. Pleura reflects around this bundle and continues below it as the pulmonary ligament.
Reference facts
- Boundaries
- A pleural reflection surrounds the root and extends inferiorly as the pulmonary ligament
- Contents
- Main bronchial pathway, pulmonary and bronchial vessels, autonomic nerves, lymphatics and hilar nodes
- Communications
- Connects with the mediastinum; phrenic nerve passes anterior to the root and vagus nerve posteriorly
Mnemonic
Artery in front on the right; artery above on the left - use the main bronchus as the reference.
Clinical correlation
Root anatomy matters when interpreting hilar structures or operating near them. The nearby phrenic nerve and pulmonary ligament are separate structures and may need distinction on cross-sectional imaging.
Frequently asked questions
What are the boundaries of the root of the lung?
A pleural reflection surrounds the root and extends inferiorly as the pulmonary ligament.
What does the root of the lung contain?
The root of the lung contains the main bronchial pathway, pulmonary and bronchial vessels, autonomic nerves, lymphatics and hilar nodes.
What does the root of the lung communicate with?
Connects with the mediastinum; phrenic nerve passes anterior to the root and vagus nerve posteriorly.