Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSE) Practice Exam

How many lobes does the right lung have?

1. 2 lobes

2. 3 lobes

3. 4 lobes

4. 5 lobes

The correct answer is: 3 lobes

The right lung has three lobes: the upper lobe, the middle lobe, and the lower lobe. This anatomical structure allows for efficient division of lung function and maximizes the surface area available for gas exchange. The presence of three lobes is due to the lung's need to accommodate the different anatomical features of the chest, including the space taken up by the heart, which is positioned slightly to the left in the thoracic cavity. In contrast, the left lung has only two lobes, known as the upper and lower lobes, reflecting the need for space for the heart's left ventricle. Other options do not accurately represent the anatomy of the right lung, as it does not have four or five lobes. Understanding the lobular structure of the lungs is important for various medical disciplines, including respiratory physiology and pathology.