right lung development

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The biological process whose specific outcome is the progression of a right lung from an initial condition to its mature state. This process begins with the formation of the right lung and ends with the mature structure. The right lung is the lung which is on the right side of the anterior posterior axis looking from a dorsal to ventral aspect. [GOC:dph, GOC:mtg_lung]

The right lung, like the left, undergoes a complex developmental process that begins early in embryonic life and continues postnatally. This process, known as lung morphogenesis, involves a series of intricate steps, including:

1. **Formation of the Lung Bud**: The first stage of lung development starts with the formation of the lung bud, an outpouching of the foregut endoderm. This bud arises around the 4th week of gestation and will eventually give rise to the trachea and bronchi.
2. **Bronchial Branching**: The lung bud undergoes a series of sequential branching events, leading to the formation of the bronchi and bronchioles. This branching process is regulated by signaling pathways, including fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and Wnt proteins.
3. **Epithelial Differentiation**: As the bronchi and bronchioles form, the epithelial lining differentiates into specialized cell types, including ciliated cells, goblet cells, and club cells. These cells are essential for the proper functioning of the respiratory system.
4. **Alveolar Development**: The final stage of lung development is the formation of alveoli, the tiny air sacs where gas exchange takes place. Alveolar development begins around the 24th week of gestation and continues postnatally. This process involves the formation of septae (walls) between the alveoli, as well as the development of capillaries within the alveolar walls.
5. **Vascularization**: Concurrently with epithelial differentiation and alveolarization, the lung undergoes extensive vascularization. Blood vessels develop within the lung parenchyma, providing oxygen and nutrients to the developing lung tissue.

These stages of lung development are tightly regulated by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Any disruption in this process can lead to lung malformations or diseases.

In summary, right lung development involves a precisely coordinated series of events that culminate in the formation of a fully functional organ capable of oxygen exchange. The process involves branching morphogenesis, epithelial differentiation, alveolarization, and vascularization, all of which are critical for the proper functioning of the respiratory system.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (5)