Images of the Respiratory System in Ancient Egypt: Trachea, Bronchi and Pulmonary Lobes

Abstract

Examination of ancient Egyptians’ depictions of the respiratory tract, dating back to the 30th century BC, reveals their awareness of the pulmonary anatomy: reinforced with cartilaginous rings, the trachea is split into two main bronchi, which then enter the lungs (lungs being divided into pulmonary lobes).