Architecture of the lung: morphology and function

J Thorac Imaging. 2004 Oct;19(4):221-7. doi: 10.1097/01.rti.0000142835.06988.b0.

Abstract

The architecture of the lung is discussed with special focus on lung parenchyma. The lung parenchyma is mainly comprised of numerous air-containing passages and intervening fine structures, corresponding to alveolar ductal lumens and alveoli, as well as alveolar septa and small pulmonary vessels occupying 10% of total parenchymal volume. The shapes and relative arrangements of alveolar ducts and alveoli are discussed in detail, which is followed by a brief description of bronchial circulation and pulmonary lymphatics.

MeSH terms

  • Bronchi / anatomy & histology
  • Bronchography
  • Humans
  • Lung / anatomy & histology*
  • Lung / blood supply
  • Lung / cytology
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / physiology
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / pathology
  • Venules / anatomy & histology