Lobe (anatomy)

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In anatomy, a lobe is a clear anatomical division or extension^[1][2] which can be determined without the use of a microscope (at the gross anatomy level.) This is in contrast to a lobule, which is a clear division only visible histologically. ^[3]

In practice, this division can be somewhat subjective. For example, it can be difficult to precisely distinguish between a interlobar duct and a interlobular duct.

Furthermore, the distinction is not universally accepted, and some sources simply consider a lobule to be a small lobe.^[4]

[edit] Examples of lobes

• Divisions of the brain. In humans there are four lobes:
  • the frontal lobe
  • the parietal lobe
  • the occipital lobe
  • the temporal lobe
• the earlobe
• lobes of the lung
  • Right lung: superior, middle, inferior
  • Left lung: superior and inferior
• the liver
  • Left lobe of liver
  • Right lobe of liver
  • Quadrate lobe of liver
  • Caudate lobe of liver
• the kidney
  • Renal lobe and cortical lobule

[edit] References

1. ^ Dictionary at eMedicine lobe
2. ^ Dorlands/Elsevier l_13/12500046
3. ^ http://www.siumed.edu/~dking2/intro/glands.htm#5
4. ^ Dorlands/Elsevier l_13/12500626