Hilum of the right lung - Erler Zimmer

Hilum of the right lung - Erler Zimmer

The Lung Hilum serves as the point of convergence between the visceral and parietal pleura and acts as the sole connection of the lungs to the rest of the body through the pulmonary ligament. This connection encompasses various structures, including the Pulmonary Artery, Superior and Inferior Pulmonary Veins, Main Bronchi, Nerves, and Lymphatics.
In the context of arteries, they are responsible for carrying blood AWAY from the heart. In the pulmonary system, this entails the transportation of deoxygenated blood, which stands in contrast to the oxygenated blood in the systemic circulation. Similarly, veins transport blood TOWARDS the heart, resulting in oxygenated blood within the pulmonary system.

When the specimen is sectioned sagittally, aligning with the cardiac impression, identifying nerves and lymphatics becomes challenging. However, noticeable features include the groove created by the descending oesophagus as it pierces the diaphragm posteriorly. The cardiac impression of the right atrium is anterior to the hilum of the right lung, and the right main bronchi, along with its subsequent divisions into lobar bronchi, are positioned more posteriorly within the hilum. The pulmonary artery and its divisions are located at the highest point within the hilum, while the superior and inferior pulmonary veins and their divisions are situated most inferiorly and anteriorly in the specimen. Additionally, the lateral surface of the specimen displays the oblique and horizontal fissures, and the medial surface of the lung exhibits the Hilar lymph nodes surrounding the hilum.

The diaphragmatic surface is located inferiorly, while the posterior aspect of the specimen constitutes the costal visceral surface.