Anatomy
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What Is the Base of the Lung?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The base of the lung rests of the diaphragm, the tough sheet of tissue separating the chest cavity from the abdomen. Precise anatomical terminology can be used to refer to different parts of the lungs no matter what position the patient is in, and may eliminate confusion when discussing symptoms and procedures. In a healthy patient sitting or standing upright, the pressure at the base of the lung is slightly higher than in other regions.

Each lung also includes a network of lobes and fissures, and is heavily supplied with blood vessels to facilitate gas exchange. The lungs trade carbon dioxide as a waste product from inside the body with oxygen. On the left, the lung has two lobes to make room for the heart, while the right lung includes three. At the base of the lung, the tissue becomes somewhat concave to accommodate the convex curve of the diaphragm, and this shape is more marked in the right lung, where the diaphragm is slightly higher.

Patients with lung disease may struggle to breath.
Patients with lung disease may struggle to breath.

When people breathe in, the base of the lung drops to allow the lung to inflate as the negative pressure inside the lungs works to pull in air. As they breathe out, this part of the lung rises and pushes the air out while the pressure rises. The diaphragm plays an important role in this process. Patients with lung disease may struggle to breathe because they can’t maintain appropriate pressure differentials. Fluid deposits can also develop in the lungs or between the lungs and the pleura, the tissues that surround them and provide room to expand.

Individuals with a history of lung disease may need to undergo regular evaluations to assess their remaining lung health.
Individuals with a history of lung disease may need to undergo regular evaluations to assess their remaining lung health.

During a medical examination, care providers want to make sure to reach all the way down to the base of the lung when they listen to the patient’s breathing. The ribs can help with navigation during an examination, and the care provider also listens attentively with a stethoscope to the changing sounds. This ensures complete coverage of the lung to identify any abnormal sounds that might be a cause for concern. Care providers also typically listen to the lungs from the front and back to make sure they don’t miss anything.

One or more lobes of the lungs may be removed during the surgical treatment for lung cancer.
One or more lobes of the lungs may be removed during the surgical treatment for lung cancer.

In surgical treatment for conditions like lung cancer, one or more lobes may be removed, along with the base of the lung. This can change the way the patient breathes. People with a history of lung disease who have decreased lung function due to scarring or lobectomies may need to undergo regular evaluations to assess their remaining lung health.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Patients with lung disease may struggle to breath.
      By: Aleksandar Todorovic
      Patients with lung disease may struggle to breath.
    • Individuals with a history of lung disease may need to undergo regular evaluations to assess their remaining lung health.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Individuals with a history of lung disease may need to undergo regular evaluations to assess their remaining lung health.
    • One or more lobes of the lungs may be removed during the surgical treatment for lung cancer.
      By: stockdevil
      One or more lobes of the lungs may be removed during the surgical treatment for lung cancer.
    • Listening to a patient's breathing may require the patient to allow the doctor unobstructed access to his or her chest.
      By: Paylessimages
      Listening to a patient's breathing may require the patient to allow the doctor unobstructed access to his or her chest.
    • The base of the lung rests of the diaphragm, the tough sheet of tissue separating the chest cavity from the abdomen.
      By: snapgalleria
      The base of the lung rests of the diaphragm, the tough sheet of tissue separating the chest cavity from the abdomen.
    • During a medical exam, the doctor typically uses a stethoscope to listen to the patient's lungs.
      By: Kadmy
      During a medical exam, the doctor typically uses a stethoscope to listen to the patient's lungs.
    • In some cases, it may be easier for doctors to hear sounds from the back of a patient's lungs.
      By: jovannig
      In some cases, it may be easier for doctors to hear sounds from the back of a patient's lungs.