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Lung Lobes: Key to Breathing, Target in Respiratory Diseases

Lung lobes, separated by thin tissue, facilitate breathing. Learn how their study helps treat respiratory conditions.

This image is an edited image. On the left side of the image there is a skull. In the middle of the...
This image is an edited image. On the left side of the image there is a skull. In the middle of the image there is smoke. At the right bottom of the image there is a text in the image.

Lung Lobes: Key to Breathing, Target in Respiratory Diseases

The human lung, a vital organ for breathing, is divided into distinct sections called lobes. Each lobe plays a crucial role in gas exchange, delivering oxygen to the bloodstream and removing carbon dioxide. A recent study by Justin Herbert, with Prof. Dr. Oliver Eickelberg as the last author, delves into the structure and function of these lobes.

Thin walls of tissue, known as fissures, separate the different lobes. Each lobe, whether it's the superior, middle, or inferior one, has the same primary function: facilitating respiration. They achieve this by receiving air via their respective lobar bronchi, branches of the bronchial tree. The left lung has two lobes, while the right lung has three, offering a total of five lobes in the human lung.

In cases of lung cancer, tuberculosis, or emphysema, sections of a lobe or even entire lobes can be removed as a treatment. This procedure, called lobectomy, aims to excise the affected area while preserving as much healthy lung tissue as possible. The superior lobes, situated at the top of each lung, are often the first to be affected by these conditions.

Understanding the structure and function of the lung lobes is essential for treating various respiratory conditions. Recent research, including the work of Justin Herbert and his team, continues to shed light on the intricacies of lung anatomy and physiology, paving the way for improved treatments and a better understanding of lung diseases.

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