How many lobes does the human right lung have?

The human right lung is divided into three distinct lobes: the upper lobe, the middle lobe, and the lower lobe. This anatomical structure helps accommodate its function, allowing for efficient gas exchange and airflow. The division into lobes enables the lung to optimize its capacity, increasing the surface area available for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

In contrast, the left lung has only two lobes (the upper and lower lobes). This difference in the number of lobes is primarily due to the presence of the heart, which occupies space in the left thoracic cavity, leading to the asymmetrical size of the lungs. The configuration of the right lung with its three lobes ensures that it is able to fulfill its respiratory functions effectively while maintaining a balance with the left lung's design.