Surface anatomy (lungs)

The apices of the lung extend above the level of the medial third of the clavicles.

The lower borders of the lung are:

• T6 - mid-clavicular line
• T8 - mid-axillary line
• T10 - posteriorly

The lower borders of the pleura are:

• T8 - mid-clavicular line
• T10 - mid-axillary line
• T12 - posteriorly

The upper lobe is in front of the lower lobe and thus the area of lung behind the anterior aspect of the chest wall is mainly the upper lobe; in the right lung the middle lobe also contributes significantly to the anterior aspect (between T4 and T6 anteriorly). From the posterior aspect, the chest wall encloses the lower lobes of each lung.

In the right lung the oblique fissure runs from the spinal process of T3 posteriorly to the level of T6 anteriorly; The transverse fissure is at T4.

Left lung has upper and lower lobes only. The middle lobe is replaced by a small segment called the lingula.