Posterior Presentation of the Colored Posterior Basal Segments of the Lungs

Description

Posteriorly oriented, the illustration isolates the posterior basal bronchopulmonary segments (Segmentum basale posterius, S10) of both lungs with color coding against the surrounding lower lobe parenchyma. On each side, S10 occupies the most dorsal and inferior portion of the lobus inferior, lying posterior to the lateral and anterior basal segments and inferior to the superior (apical) segment of the lower lobe. The right S10 is positioned posteromedial to the oblique fissure’s lower lobe territory and approaches the vertebral column, while the left S10 extends across the posterior diaphragmatic surface and sits medial to the posterolateral costal surface. A posterior view matters because the basilar segments are assessed and treated by segment, not just by lobe, in modern thoracic imaging and surgery. Dependent atelectasis, aspiration-related consolidation, and bronchiectasis often localize to the posterior basal segment when patients are supine, and the distribution on chest CT frequently points you to S10 before the report even names it. Segmental anatomy also guides thoracic surgeons during VATS or robotic segmentectomy, where identifying the S10 bronchus and its accompanying segmental pulmonary artery branch helps spare adjacent basal segments while still achieving oncologic margins. Use this asset for teaching bronchopulmonary segmentation in gross anatomy, respiratory block curricula, and radiology correlation sessions that map CT findings to Segmentum basale posterius. It also fits thoracic surgery atlases, preoperative planning decks, and patient-facing explanations of segmentectomy versus lobectomy when disease is confined to a posterior basilar segment. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.