Inferior lobar artery of right lung

At a glance

English

Inferior lobar artery of right lung

Latin (TA2)

Arteria lobaris inferior pulmonis dextri

System

Artery

Region

Trunk

Side

Single, on the midline

About the inferior lobar artery of right lung

After giving its upper and middle lobe branches, the right pulmonary artery continues down in the oblique fissure towards the base of the lung. This last stretch and its branches make up the inferior lobar arteries, which supply the right lower lobe, the largest lobe of the right lung.

The first branch to the lower lobe is the superior segmental artery, which leaves the back of the interlobar part and runs back to the superior segment at the top of the lobe. Below this the vessel forms a basal trunk that divides, with the basal bronchi, into the medial, anterior, lateral and posterior basal segmental arteries. These fan out over the domed lower surface of the lung that rests on the diaphragm.

The arteries follow the airways closely and branch with them down to the alveolar capillaries. They carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle; the lobe is nourished separately by bronchial arteries. Venous blood leaves through the right inferior pulmonary vein, which lies low in the hilum within the pulmonary ligament.

The lower lobes receive a large share of pulmonary blood flow in the upright position, and emboli often lodge in the lower lobe arteries. In right lower lobectomy the superior segmental and basal arteries are divided in the fissure, taking care to preserve the middle lobar artery that arises close by.

Course and supply

Arises from

The interlobar part of the right pulmonary artery, below the origin of the middle lobar artery.

Ends in

Ends as the superior segmental artery and the medial, anterior, lateral and posterior basal segmental arteries.

Supplies

Carries deoxygenated blood to the right lower lobe for gas exchange.