Thoracic Cavity: Location and Function MCQ - Practice Questions with Answers

• A major organ of the respiratory system, each lung houses structures of both the conducting and respiratory zones.
• The lungs are pyramid-shaped, paired organs that are connected to the trachea by the right and left bronchi; on the inferior surface, the lungs are bordered by the diaphragm.
• The lungs are covered by a double-layered pleura, with pleural fluid between them. It reduces friction on the lung-surface.
• The outer pleural membrane is in close contact with the thoracic lining whereas the inner pleural membrane is in contact with the lung surface.
• The lungs are situated in the thoracic chamber which is anatomically an air-tight chamber.
• The thoracic chamber is formed dorsally by the vertebral column, ventrally by the sternum, laterally by the ribs and on the lower side by the dome-shaped diaphragm. 

• The right lung is shorter and wider than the left lung, and the left lung occupies a smaller volume than the right.
• The cardiac notch is an indentation on the surface of the left lung, and it allows space for the heart.
• The apex of the lung is the superior region, whereas the base is the opposite region near the diaphragm. 
• The costal surface of the lung borders the ribs. The mediastinal surface faces the midline.

Some differences between Right and Left Lungs are given below :