left lung development

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

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

Left lung development is a complex and intricate process that begins during embryonic development and continues throughout childhood. It involves a series of precisely orchestrated steps that include the formation of the lung bud, branching morphogenesis, and the differentiation of various cell types that ultimately give rise to the mature lung.

The process starts with the formation of the lung bud, an outpouching of the foregut endoderm. This bud arises from the ventral aspect of the developing foregut, and its formation is regulated by a network of signaling molecules, including fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), sonic hedgehog (SHH), and Wnt proteins.

As the lung bud grows, it undergoes a series of branching events, known as branching morphogenesis. This process is driven by a combination of cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell differentiation. The developing airways are surrounded by a mesenchymal layer, which provides structural support and secretes signaling molecules that guide branching morphogenesis.

During branching morphogenesis, the lung bud gives rise to the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. The bronchi further divide into smaller and smaller bronchioles, eventually giving rise to the alveoli, the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.

The development of the left lung differs slightly from that of the right lung. The left lung has a smaller number of lobes compared to the right lung, and its main bronchus is shorter and wider. This difference is attributed to the location of the heart, which occupies a greater space on the left side of the chest.

In addition to the formation of the airways, lung development also involves the differentiation of various cell types, including epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and blood vessels. These cells are essential for the proper functioning of the mature lung.

The development of the left lung is a precisely regulated process that requires the coordinated action of many genes and signaling pathways. Disruptions in these pathways can lead to various lung defects, such as hypoplasia, agenesis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Understanding the complex molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying left lung development is crucial for developing effective therapies for lung diseases.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (5)