How many segmental (surgical) lobes are there in the lungs?

• A. 8
• B. 10
• C. 5
• D. 12

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is that there are 10 segmental lobes in the lungs. The human lungs are divided into lobes, each of which is further subdivided into bronchopulmonary segments. In total, there are 10 segmental bronchial divisions—each corresponds to a specific segmental lobe.

The right lung has three lobes: the upper, middle, and lower lobes, which comprise a total of 10 segments (3 in the right upper lobe, 2 in the right middle lobe, and 5 in the right lower lobe). Similarly, the left lung, which has two lobes (upper and lower), contains 5 segments (4 in the left upper lobe and 1 in the lower lobe).

This segmentation is relevant in clinical practice, particularly in surgical procedures like lobectomies, where understanding the lung's anatomical organization is critical for safe and effective interventions. Each segment is independently supplied by a bronchus and a segmental artery, which is what allows for surgical removal or isolation of lung segments without affecting adjacent segments.