Organ
Left inferior lobe
Left lobe behind the heart and above the diaphragm
High-yield
S6 is superior. A common basal pattern is S7+8 anteromedial, S9 lateral and S10 posterior.
Overview
The inferior lobe occupies much of the posterior left lung. It includes a superior segment and a basal group, in which the medial and anterior territories are often combined.
Reference facts
- Location
- Posterior and basal left lung, behind the oblique fissure
- Parts
- Superior S6; commonly anteromedial basal S7+8, lateral basal S9 and posterior basal S10
- Blood supply
- Inferior lobar branches of the left pulmonary artery
- Innervation
- Left pulmonary plexus
- Relations
- Descending aorta medially, posterior ribs behind, and diaphragm below
- Function
- Gas exchange in the posterior and basal left lung
Clinical correlation
Its position behind the heart can conceal abnormalities on a frontal radiograph. Lower-lobe volume loss and opacification need assessment in more than one projection or plane.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the left inferior lobe located?
Posterior and basal left lung, behind the oblique fissure.
What does the left inferior lobe do?
Gas exchange in the posterior and basal left lung.
What are the parts of the left inferior lobe?
Superior S6; commonly anteromedial basal S7+8, lateral basal S9 and posterior basal S10.
What is the blood supply of the left inferior lobe?
Inferior lobar branches of the left pulmonary artery.