Which statement is true about the human respiratory system?

Which statement is true about the human respiratory system?

• A. The lower respiratory tract includes the heart.
• B. The right lung is wider, shorter in length, and has one more lobe than the left lung.
• C. The trachea is only found in the upper respiratory tract.
• D. The left lung has three lobes.

Answer: (B)

The statement regarding the human respiratory system that indicates the right lung is wider, shorter in length, and has one more lobe than the left lung is accurate. The right lung typically has three lobes: the superior, middle, and inferior lobes, whereas the left lung has only two lobes: the superior and inferior lobes. The asymmetry between the lungs is primarily due to the presence of the heart, which occupies space on the left side of the thoracic cavity. This difference explains why the right lung is wider and shorter — it has the additional middle lobe and less spatial constraint. Understanding this anatomical variation is critical for recognizing how the lungs accommodate other structures in the thoracic cavity, as it provides insights into respiratory function and potential clinical considerations in diagnosing and treating conditions related to lung health.

The statement regarding the human respiratory system that indicates the right lung is wider, shorter in length, and has one more lobe than the left lung is accurate. The right lung typically has three lobes: the superior, middle, and inferior lobes, whereas the left lung has only two lobes: the superior and inferior lobes.

The asymmetry between the lungs is primarily due to the presence of the heart, which occupies space on the left side of the thoracic cavity. This difference explains why the right lung is wider and shorter — it has the additional middle lobe and less spatial constraint. Understanding this anatomical variation is critical for recognizing how the lungs accommodate other structures in the thoracic cavity, as it provides insights into respiratory function and potential clinical considerations in diagnosing and treating conditions related to lung health.