STRUCTURE AND POSITION

• On both sides it is separated by Oblique fissure from other lobes.
• Oblique fissure roughly follows 6th rib in its course but it can vary.
• Inferior Lobe of the Lung form most of the base of the Lung on both sides and lies directly over the Diaphragm.
• It also has costal border and most of Posterior Border of the lung.

BLOOD SUPPLY AND LYMPHATICS

• Inferior Lobe of the Lung gets its blood and nutrient supply via Bronchial Arteries of both sides which are branches of Thoracic Aorta usually, and sometimes arise from its branches (Right Bronchial Arteries).
• Inferior Lobe of the Lung gets pulmonary blood from Inferior Lobar branch of Pulmonary Artery on both sides and drains into Inferior Lobar Vein.
• Lymphatics from Inferior Lobe of the Lung drain mostly into Bronchopulmonary Lymph nodes and some of it into Pulmonary Lymph nodes.

FUNCTION

Inferior Lobe of the Lung functions mainly to oxygenate the blood via pulmonary circulation as it passes through the alveoli. However it also has non respiratory functions as :

•   Altering the pH of body
•   Conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
•   Filtering of Blood Clots
•   Filtering of gas bubbles in blood
•   Help sound production by providing air
•   Can act as shock absorbent for heart etc.

CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Inferior Lobe of the Lung can be donated to the patients with dysfunction or disease of lungs. And it does not require the donor to be deceased.