Posterior Position of the Posterior Segmental Bronchus of the Right Lung

Description

Arising from the superior lobar bronchus near the right hilum, the posterior segmental bronchus (B2) courses posteriorly into the upper lobe toward the dorsal lung parenchyma. From a posterior perspective, the bronchial lumen and cartilaginous wall sit medial to the pleural surface and deep to the posterior costal impressions, with the segmental distribution oriented superior to the oblique fissure. Proximally, the airway remains close to the root of the lung where the bronchus lies posterior to the pulmonary vessels, then it tracks distally into the posterior segment of the right upper lobe. Clear identification of B2 matters when you are localizing disease by bronchopulmonary segment, because a posterior upper lobe process can reflect segmental obstruction, postobstructive atelectasis, or mucus plugging confined to that distribution. It also supports procedural planning: during bronchoscopy, correct recognition of the right upper lobe segmental orifices helps target lavage or biopsy, and on CT it improves communication when describing focal nodules or cavitary infection in a specific segment rather than a whole lobe. Small anatomy, big implications. Pulmonology and thoracic surgery courses use this view to teach the segmental model of the lung, including why segmentectomy can follow bronchovascular planes. Radiology texts and case reports can pair the illustration with axial CT or bronchoscopy images to anchor orientation of the right upper lobe posterior segmental bronchus and its relationship to the hilum. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.