Morphological anatomy of accessory fissures in lungs.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the position and grade of accessory fissures and lobes is necessary for appreciation of lobar anatomy and thus locating bronchopulmonary segments. METHODS: Morphological variations of accessory fissures and lobes of the lungs were studied in 40 pairs of lungs from cadavers. RESULTS: Four left-sided lungs and two right-sided lungs showed accessory fissure in the lower lobe. Only one accessory fissure of left lung belongs to grade-ii and the remaining belongs to grade iii. [According to Craig and Walker's fissural classification] CONCLUSIONS: Awareness regarding accessory fissures and lobes is essential for performing lobectomies, segmental resection, for differential diagnosis and interpreting radiological images.