Is the Morphology of Lungs in Textbooks Normal? Fissure and Lobe Variations of the Lungs: A Cadaveric Study

Abstract Background The lungs are a pair of respiratory organs, comprising multiple lobes that are separated by fissures. The fissures may be complete, incomplete, or absent. In order to comprehend the lobar anatomy and thus ascertain the location of the bronchopulmonary segments, it is essential to be aware of the presence of fissures and lobe positions. Methods Our study was conducted on 35 pairs of lungs (right n = 35 and left n = 35) obtained from formalin-fixed cadavers of 3 females (n = 3; 8.6%) and 32 males (n = 32; 91.4%). We morphologically evaluated the fissures of the lungs, including accessory fissures, and measured the length and depth of the fissures. Results Our evaluation revealed that 21 right lungs and 28 left lungs exhibited normal anatomical fissures and lobe features. The presence of accessory fissures was not related to the morphology of normal anatomical fissures. The length of the right oblique fissure correlated with the length of the left oblique fissure and the horizontal fissure. Also, we found five lobulated lungs with accessory fissures, which we have not encountered in literature. Conclusion Given the prevalence of anatomical variability in the lung, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of its variations, as imaging studies may not fully capture the intricacies of these morphologies. This knowledge is vital to ensure optimal surgical outcomes and avoid complications.