Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: March 3, 2023
Morphological variations of the lung fissures and lobes
S Meenakshi1, K Y Manjunath, V Balasubramanyam
1Department of Anatomy, St John's Medical College, Bangalore, India. sjmcanat@satyam.net.in
Background:
Knowledge of the position of fissures of the lungs is necessary for the appreciation of lobar anatomy and thus locating the bronchopulmonary segments.
Methods:
Morphological variations of fissures and lobes of the lungs were studied in 30 pairs of lungs from cadavers.
Results:
Five right-sided lungs showed absence of horizontal fissure, 19 showed incomplete horizontal fissure. Eleven right-sided and 14 left-sided lungs showed incomplete oblique fissure and two right-sided lungs showed both absence of horizontal fissure and an incomplete oblique fissure. Accessory fissure was seen in three left-sided and one right-sided lungs.
Conclusions:
Awareness regarding anatomical variations is essential for performing lobectomies and segmental resection and interpreting radiological images.
Related Concept Videos
Gross Anatomy of the Lungs
Alveoli and Alveolar Ducts
Pleura of the Lungs
The Bronchial Tree
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:

