Britannica
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What enters and leaves each lung at the hilum?
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Respiratory system
Different methods of respiration in animals.
The hilum is the point on the inner side of each lung where several vital structures enter and exit the organ. These structures include:1
- Bronchi: The main airways that connect the lungs to the trachea.1
- Pulmonary arteries and veins: The blood vessels responsible for transporting blood to and from the heart for oxygenation.21
- Lymphatic vessels: Channels that drain lymph from the lung tissue toward the mediastinum.21
- Nerves: Fibers of the autonomic nervous system that regulate functions such as bronchial constriction and vascular tone.21
Essentially, the hilum serves as the primary gateway for the respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous system components to access the lung.1