Transparent Lung Segment Model

Quick Answer: The transparent lung segment model is a model of the human lungs with a clear outer surface, through which the branching bronchial tree and the bronchopulmonary segments can be seen. It is used in anatomy, physiotherapy and nursing courses to teach how each lobe divides into segments supplied by their own bronchi.

Seeing the Bronchial Tree Through Clear Lungs

An opaque lung model shows the outside of the lobes; a transparent lung segment model shows what lies inside them. Each lobe is subdivided into bronchopulmonary segments, wedge-shaped units that each receive their own segmental bronchus and branch of the pulmonary artery. Segment models commonly colour the segments or their bronchi differently so the divisions can be traced from the hilum outward, and how this listing marks them should be confirmed at enquiry.

In standard anatomy the right lung has ten segments. The left lung is usually described as having eight to ten, because some segments of the left upper and lower lobes share a bronchus and are counted together in many textbooks. As each segment has its own airway and blood supply, a diseased segment can be removed surgically while the rest of the lobe keeps working, which is why the segments matter beyond the classroom.

Physiotherapy students use the same map for postural drainage, positioning a patient so that the segmental bronchus of an affected segment points downward and mucus drains toward the larger airways. Being able to see each bronchus through the clear surface makes those positions far easier to understand than a flat diagram. For the overall shape and lobes, the opaque human lung model is the simpler companion piece.

Specifications

Model of	Human lungs with a visible internal bronchial tree
Outer surface	Transparent, as stated in the listing title
Teaching focus	Bronchopulmonary segments and segmental bronchi
Right lung	Ten segments in the standard anatomical description
Left lung	Eight to ten segments, depending on the counting convention
Colour coding, size and base	Confirm at enquiry

Keeping the Clear Surface Clear

Clean the transparent lung segment model with a microfibre cloth and water only; alcohol and solvent wipes can craze or cloud clear plastics.
Avoid resting it on rough benches or stacking other models on it, since scratches on a clear surface are hard to polish out.
Keep it covered in storage to limit dust, which shows up clearly on transparent surfaces.

Applications

Teaching bronchopulmonary segments in medical, nursing and physiotherapy anatomy
Explaining postural drainage positions in respiratory physiotherapy
Relating bronchoscopy views to the branching pattern of the airways
Showing why a single segment can be removed without taking out the whole lobe

Why Choose LabEquip

Physiotherapy and nursing colleges often choose a transparent segment model because the segments are otherwise hard to visualise. You will find it in LabEquip’s biology lab products; give your course level and preferred colour coding through the LabEquip contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bronchopulmonary segment?

It is a wedge-shaped section of a lung lobe supplied by its own segmental bronchus and its own branch of the pulmonary artery. Each segment works largely as a separate unit.

How many segments are in each lung?

The right lung has ten. The left lung is described as having eight to ten, because some neighbouring segments share a bronchus and are often counted as one.

Why does a transparent model help?

The segmental bronchi lie inside the lung tissue, so an opaque model hides them. A clear outer surface lets students follow each bronchus from the hilum to the segment it supplies.

How is the segment model used in physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists learn which way each segmental bronchus points, so they can position a patient to drain mucus from a particular segment by gravity. The model makes those directions visible.

Why can a surgeon remove one segment?

Each segment has its own airway and blood supply, with connective tissue separating it from its neighbours. This allows a diseased segment to be taken out while the rest of the lobe keeps working.

How should the clear parts be cleaned?

Use a soft microfibre cloth dampened with plain water, then dry gently. Avoid alcohol, acetone and abrasive cleaners, which can cloud or crack transparent plastics.

Last Updated: September 2026