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Topic

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Superior lobe of right lung

The superior lobe of the right lung (right upper lobe) is the most cranial lobe of the right lung and plays a major role in pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange. It occupies the upper portion of the right hemithorax and has distinct anatomical boundaries that are important for radiologic localization and clinical assessment.

Its predictable anatomy makes it a key reference region in chest imaging, bronchoscopy, thoracic surgery, and pulmonary disease evaluation.

Synonyms

  • Right upper lobe

  • Superior lobe of right lung

Location

  • Located in the upper part of the right hemithorax

  • Extends from the lung apex to the level of the horizontal fissure

  • Anterior and superior to the right middle lobe

  • Superior and anterior to the right lower lobe

  • Lies beneath the right clavicle and upper ribs

  • Occupies the region adjacent to the upper mediastinum

Anatomical components

  • Bronchopulmonary segments:

    • Apical segment (S1)

    • Posterior segment (S2)

    • Anterior segment (S3)

  • Segmental bronchi:

    • Arise from the right upper lobe bronchus

  • Pulmonary arteries and veins:

    • Segmental arterial branches accompany bronchi

    • Veins course within intersegmental planes

Relations

Superiorly:

  • Thoracic inlet

  • Apex of the lung

Inferiorly:

  • Horizontal (minor) fissure

  • Right middle lobe

Posteriorly:

  • Upper thoracic vertebrae

  • Posterior chest wall

Anteriorly:

  • Sternum and anterior chest wall

Medially:

  • Superior mediastinum

  • Trachea and superior vena cava (adjacent)

Laterally:

  • Costal pleura and ribs

X-ray appearance

Chest radiograph (PA and lateral views):

  • Location: Upper zone of the right lung field

  • Apex: Extends above the level of the clavicle

  • Horizontal fissure: Forms the inferior boundary on PA view

  • Parenchyma: Uniform radiolucency with visible vascular markings

  • Silhouette relationships: Upper mediastinal borders partially outlined

CT appearance

CT lung window:

  • Parenchyma: Low-attenuation, air-filled lung tissue

  • Bronchi: Air-filled, branching tubular structures

  • Pulmonary vessels: Thin, tapering soft-tissue density structures

  • Fissural boundary: Horizontal fissure visible inferiorly

  • Segmental anatomy: Bronchovascular bundles defining S1, S2, and S3

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Lung parenchyma: Low signal intensity due to air content

  • Pulmonary vessels: Intermediate signal

  • Chest wall and fat: High signal providing contrast

T2-weighted images:

  • Lung parenchyma: Very low signal intensity

  • Vessels and bronchi walls: Intermediate signal

  • Pleural surfaces: Thin low-signal interfaces

STIR:

  • Lung parenchyma: Suppressed low signal

  • Chest wall and pleura: Improved contrast due to fat suppression

CT image

X-Ray image

Superior lobe of right lung X RAY anatomy image -img-00000-00000