Lungs in situ (Latin)

In this image, both the right and the left lungs are slightly retracted so the relations of the lungs with the heart and the mediastinal structures can be seen. The pulmo dexter lies in close relation to the vv. cavae superior et inferior as well as the v. azygos (not seen), while the pulmo sinister lies in close approximation with all parts of the aorta thoracica. Both lungs conform to the shape of the heart. Each lung is suspended from the mediastinum by its root (radix pulmonis): a pedicle formed by structures entering and exiting the lungs via the hilum (e.g., bronchi, vasa pulmonaria/bronchialia, vasa lymphatica and nervi pulmonis).Notice the two potential spaces (out of four in total) between the lungs and the parietal pleura, also known as the pleural recesses. The recessus costodiaphragmaticus is located at the inferior most part of the pleural cavity whereas the recessus costomediastinalis lies anteriorly, between the costal and mediastinal layers of pleura parietalis. Those recesses are usually empty, so dull percussion sound in those areas as well as positive chest radiograph can indicate a pathological condition.