The root of the lung refers to the area where the structures and vessels associated with the lungs enter and exit the thorax. It is situated in the middle of the mediastinum, located at the base of the neck and extending down into the upper portion of the thoracic cavity. In this context, the term "root" denotes the starting point or origin of the lung.
Anatomically, the root of the lung comprises the bronchial tubes, pulmonary arteries and veins, lymphatic vessels, nerves, and connective tissues that attach the lungs to adjacent structures within the thoracic cavity. The bronchi, which are the main airway passages to the lungs, enter the lung at its root, branching out into smaller bronchioles. The pulmonary blood vessels, including the pulmonary arteries and veins, also enter and exit the lungs through the root.
Furthermore, the root of the lung serves as a conduit for other vital structures. Lymphatic vessels, responsible for draining excess fluid and immune cells, traverse the lung's root. Nerves innervating the lung, originating from the autonomic nervous system, also pass through this region, allowing for control of respiratory function. Various connective tissues act as support and anchor the lung within the thoracic cavity.
The root of the lung plays a crucial role in facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as supporting immune function. It serves as the entry and exit point for structures essential to the lung's overall physiological processes.
