Posterior basal segmental artery of left lung

The posterior basal segmental artery of the left lung (A10) is a branch of the left inferior pulmonary artery that supplies the posterior basal segment (S10) of the left lower lobe.

The posterior basal segmental artery arises from the descending (inferior) trunk of the left pulmonary artery, typically as one of the terminal branches of the left inferior lobar artery. It courses posteriorly and inferiorly to provide arterial blood supply to the posterior basal bronchopulmonary segment of the left lower lobe. This segment is located at the posterobasal aspect of the left lung, resting against the posterior thoracic wall and the vertebral column, and is bounded superiorly by the lateral basal and superior segments.

Key characteristics:

• Origin: Branch of the left inferior pulmonary artery (basal trunk)

• Territory: Posterior basal bronchopulmonary segment (S10) of the left lower lobe

• Course: Runs alongside the posterior basal segmental bronchus (B10), following the principle that pulmonary arteries travel in close association with their corresponding bronchi within the bronchovascular bundle

• Drainage: The corresponding venous drainage is via the posterior basal vein, which drains into the left inferior pulmonary vein