lungs

Respiratory organs formed of extensible tissue, in which air from the nasal and oral cavities is carried, ensuring oxygenation of the blood.

lower lobe

Section of the left lung separated from the upper lobe by the oblique fissure.

main bronchus

Channel leading from the trachea; it allows air to enter and exit the lung, and branches out inside the lung.

lobe bronchus

Branch of the main bronchus ending in a pulmonary lobe and dividing into smaller and smaller bronchi.

trachea

Muscular cartilaginous tract that is a continuation of the larynx; it divides into two main bronchi, each of which ends in a lung, and allows air to pass.

oblique fissure

Deep ridge bounding the upper and lower lobes of the left lung and at the back of which the visceral pleura lies.

upper lobe

Section of the left lung separated from the lower lobe by the oblique fissure.

terminal bronchiole

Final branch of the bronchus having no cartilage and ending in small air pockets (alveolae) where gases are exchanged with the blood.

pleural cavity

Space between the two pleurae containing a lubricating fluid (pleural liquid); it facilitates their sliding and thus aids breathing.

parietal pleura

Outer elastic layer of the pulmonary casing; it adheres to the thoracic wall and the diaphragm.

visceral pleura

Inner elastic layer of the pulmonary casing covering the lung and fissures; its elasticity allows the lung to change size.