Lungenhilus

The Lungenhilus, also known as the hilum of the lung, refers to the central region where the lung connects to the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. This anatomical structure serves as the gateway for essential vessels, nerves, and bronchi that supply and drain the lung tissue. Located at the medial aspect of each lung, the hilum is situated between the upper and lower lobes of the right lung and between the left and right lobes of the left lung.

The primary components of the Lungenhilus include the bronchi, pulmonary arteries, pulmonary veins, lymph nodes, and bronchial vessels. The bronchi, branching from the trachea, carry air into the lung, while the pulmonary arteries transport deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart to the lung capillaries for oxygenation. Oxygenated blood is then carried back to the left side of the heart via the pulmonary veins. Bronchial vessels supply blood to the lung tissue itself, and lymph nodes within the hilum play a role in immune response and lymphatic drainage.

The Lungenhilus is clinically significant in both diagnostic and therapeutic contexts. Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scans and X-rays often focus on this region to identify abnormalities, such as tumors, infections, or vascular anomalies. Conditions affecting the hilum, such as hilar lymphadenopathy, may indicate underlying pathologies like tuberculosis, cancer, or inflammatory diseases. Surgical interventions, including lobectomies or pneumonectomies, may also involve manipulation of the hilar structures.

Anatomically, the hilum is encased by a fibrous sheath that helps organize the passage of neurovascular bundles. The left and right lungs have distinct hilar configurations, with the left hilum typically containing an additional structure called the ligamentum arteriosum, a remnant of the fetal ductus arteriosus. This variation reflects the anatomical differences between the two lungs and their respective vascular and bronchopulmonary relationships.