Lung bud

Lung Bud

The Lung Bud is an embryonic structure that gives rise to the respiratory system. It is a crucial component in the development of the lungs and the trachea in mammals, including humans. The lung bud forms early in embryonic development, during the fourth week of gestation in humans.

Development

The lung bud, also known as the respiratory diverticulum, originates from the endoderm, one of the three primary germ layers in the very early embryo. The endoderm gives rise to the epithelial lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts. The lung bud develops as an outpouching of the foregut, a section of the endoderm that will form the upper part of the digestive tract.

The lung bud then divides into two, forming the left and right bronchial buds. These buds will continue to divide and branch out, forming the bronchial tree of the lungs. This process of branching is known as branching morphogenesis and is crucial for the formation of the complex structure of the lungs.

Role in Disease

Abnormal development of the lung bud can lead to a variety of congenital lung malformations, such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia, pulmonary sequestration, and bronchogenic cysts. These conditions can cause significant morbidity and mortality in affected individuals and often require surgical intervention.

See Also

• Development of the respiratory system
• Bronchial tree
• Endoderm
• Germ layer
• Branching morphogenesis