What is the Difference Between Right and Left Lung?

The main difference between the right and left lungs lies in their structure and size. Here are the key differences:

• Size and Shape: The right lung is wider and shorter, while the left lung is narrower and longer. The left lung is smaller than the right lung due to the heart's position in the chest cavity.
• Lobes: The right lung is divided into three lobes: the superior, middle, and inferior. The left lung has only two lobes: the superior and inferior.
• Cardiac Notch and Lingula: The left lung has two unique features that the right lung does not have: the cardiac notch, where the heart fits, and the lingula, an extension of the superior lobe.
• Anatomical Differences: The right lung has two fissures (one horizontal and one oblique), while the left lung has only one oblique fissure.

Both lungs are part of the respiratory system and work together to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. They are protected by a protective covering called pleural tissue and are connected to bronchi, through which air enters and exits.

Comparative Table: Right vs Left Lung

Here is a table summarizing the differences between the right and left lungs:

The right lung is wider and shorter than the left lung, which is narrower and longer. The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two lobes. The right lung has two bronchi, while the left lung has a single bronchus. The right lung is heavier than the left lung. The base of the right lung has a concave shape, providing space for the liver, while the left lung has a cardiac notch to accommodate the heart.