Lung Anatomy Quiz: Lobes, Bronchi and Pleura

Compare the two lungs and identify the structures that carry air and cover the lung surface. Use the explanations to connect anatomy with common clinical observations.

8 questions · Estimated 6–8 minutes. Select your answer mentally, then open the explanation to check your reasoning.

1. How many lobes are normally present in the right and left lungs, respectively?

  1. Two and three
  2. Three and two
  3. Three and three
  4. Two and two
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Three and two

The right lung has superior, middle and inferior lobes. The left lung has superior and inferior lobes. The lingula is part of the left superior lobe, not a separate middle lobe.

2. Compared with the left main bronchus, the adult right main bronchus is generally:

  1. Longer, narrower and more horizontal
  2. Shorter, narrower and more horizontal
  3. Shorter, wider and more vertical
  4. Longer, wider and more horizontal
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Answer: C. Shorter, wider and more vertical

The adult right main bronchus is generally shorter, wider and more vertical. Aspirated material therefore more commonly enters the right bronchial tree, although its final location also depends on body position and other factors.

3. Which membrane directly covers the lung surface and extends into its fissures?

  1. Visceral pleura
  2. Parietal pleura
  3. Fibrous pericardium
  4. Parietal peritoneum
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Answer: A. Visceral pleura

Visceral pleura adheres to the lung surface and extends into the fissures. Parietal pleura lines the inner thoracic wall and covers the diaphragm and mediastinal surfaces facing the pleural cavity.

4. Which fissures normally divide the right lung into its three lobes?

  1. Horizontal fissure only
  2. Oblique and horizontal fissures
  3. Two horizontal fissures
  4. Oblique fissure only
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Answer: B. Oblique and horizontal fissures

The right lung normally has both oblique and horizontal fissures. The horizontal fissure separates the superior and middle lobes. The left lung normally has an oblique fissure but no horizontal fissure.

5. The lingula belongs to which part of the lung?

  1. Right middle lobe
  2. Left inferior lobe
  3. Right superior lobe
  4. Left superior lobe
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Answer: D. Left superior lobe

The lingula is a tongue-shaped part of the left superior lobe near the cardiac notch. Although it corresponds developmentally to the right middle lobe, it is not a separate left lung lobe.

6. The carina is located at which airway landmark?

  1. The tracheal bifurcation into the main bronchi
  2. The opening of the larynx
  3. The first alveolar duct
  4. The junction of a bronchiole and an alveolus
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Answer: A. The tracheal bifurcation into the main bronchi

The carina is a ridge at the point where the trachea divides into the right and left main bronchi. This region is sensitive to irritation and can trigger a strong cough reflex.

7. Which alveolar cells produce pulmonary surfactant?

  1. Alveolar macrophages
  2. Type I pneumocytes
  3. Type II pneumocytes
  4. Ciliated bronchial cells
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Answer: C. Type II pneumocytes

Type II pneumocytes produce surfactant, which lowers surface tension at the alveolar air-liquid interface. Type I pneumocytes form most of the thin alveolar surface used for gas exchange; macrophages provide immune defense.

8. In normal adult circulation, pulmonary arteries carry blood from the:

  1. Lungs to the left atrium
  2. Right ventricle toward the lungs
  3. Left ventricle to the body
  4. Bronchial veins to the right atrium
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Answer: B. Right ventricle toward the lungs

The pulmonary arteries receive relatively deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle through the pulmonary trunk. Arteries are named for carrying blood away from the heart, not for always carrying oxygenated blood.

Further reading