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Difference Between Right and Left Lung

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The major difference between the right and left rung is that the right lung has 3 lobes while the left lung is having 2 lobes. The lungs are the main respiratory organ in the human respiratory system. They are paired structure that helps in gaseous exchange. The right lung receives air from one bronchus of the trachea, while the left lung receives air from the other bronchus. The two lungs have differences in their anatomy. 

Overview of Lungs

The lung is paired respiratory organ located in the thoracic cavity. Their function is to help with breathing. Breathing involves inspiration and exhalation. Inspiration involves the intake of oxygen and exhalation includes the release of carbon dioxide through the lungs. These lungs work like a balloon, they inflate when we inhale oxygen and deflate while exhalation. They weigh approximately 1.3 kg. They are broader at the base and are pointed at the upper end. Lungs are surrounded by two pleural membranes (outer parietal and inner visceral). A pleural fluid between layers provides protection from mechanical shock. There are two lungs- the left and right lung.  

What is the Left Lung?

Given that it is on the left side of the respiratory system, it is known as the left lung. The heart is enclosed by a significant concave imprint on it known as the cardiac notch. In contrast to the right lung, it is shorter and narrower. It has a superior lobe and an inferior lobe, which are divided by an oblique fissure. Due to the heart’s occupied space on the left side of the chest cavity, the left lung only has two formal lobes. Lingula is also included. The middle lobe of the right lung is comparable to the tiny, tongue-like extension of the left lung known as the lingula. 

What is the Right Lung?

It is called the right lung as it is located on the right side of the respiratory system. It has three lobes namely superior, middle, and inferior lobes, separated by horizontal and oblique fissures. Although the horizontal fissure divides the superior from the middle lobe, the oblique fissure divides the inferior from the middle and superior lobes. It has a bigger volume and is heavier than the left lung. It provides space for the liver, and the base of the right lung is more concave. It is about 5cm shorter than the left lung as it has to accommodate the diaphragm, which rises higher towards the right side over the liver.

Similarities between Right and Left Lung

  1. Both are part of the respiratory system.
  2. Made up of soft, elastic spongy tissues.
  3. Connected to bronchi from where air enters. 
  4. Consists of alveoli for gaseous exchange.
  5. Both lungs have lobes.
  6. Protected by pleura
  7. Separated by oblique fissures.
  8. Consists of bronchopulmonary segments.
Difference between right and left lung

 

Difference between Right and Left Lung

Characterization

Right Lung

Left Lung

Location The right side of the heart The left side of the heart
Provide space for Liver Heart
Number of lobes Three (inferior, middle, and superior) Two (superior and inferior)
Number and type of fissures Two (oblique and horizontal) One (oblique)
Weight 700gm 650gm
Volume Larger Smaller
Bronchi Two one
Shape Shorter and wider Narrower and longer
Base of lung More concave less concave
Heaviness Heavier  Lighter
Bronchopulmonary segments 10 9-10

FAQs on Right and Left lung

Q1: Why does the Right Lung have Three Lobes?

Answer: 

The right lung has three lobes because, unlike the left lung, it does not have to provide space for the heart. So that space is occupied by the third lobe in the right lung.

Q2: Are both Lungs Necessary for Survival?  

Answer: 

A single lung is sufficient for survival but will be restricted from climbing hills, heavy exercise, etc. This is because these activities require high input of energy which cannot be provided by a single lung only.
 

Q3: Can Lungs Regenerate?

Answer: 

Yes, lung epithelium cells have the capacity to regenerate against degeneration due to some ailment or disease.

Q4: How do lungs float in water?

Answer: 

Lungs consist of balloon-like structures called alveoli. When air enters into lungs, the alveoli inflate just like balloons, and this is the reason they float on water.


Last Updated : 27 Mar, 2023
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