Left vs. Right Lung: Differences, Anatomy & Function

The left and right lungs are not exactly the same. The right lung is slightly larger than the left lung and has three lobes, while the left lung has two lobes. The right lung also contains the hilum, which is the area where the bronchi, blood vessels, and nerves enter and exit the lung. The left lung does not have a hilum, but instead has a smaller opening called the aortic window.

In addition, the left lung is located closer to the heart than the right lung, and it is also slightly shorter than the right lung. The left lung also has a smaller diameter than the right lung.

These differences between the left and right lungs are due to the fact that the heart is located on the left side of the body. This means that the left lung has to be smaller in order to make room for the heart.