The sequestrated lung is most commonly supplied by –
**Core Concept**
The question refers to a condition known as pulmonary sequestration, a rare congenital anomaly where a portion of lung tissue receives its blood supply from an abnormal systemic artery, rather than the pulmonary artery. This is a fundamental concept in thoracic surgery and radiology.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pulmonary sequestration is usually supplied by the systemic arterial system, often from the aorta or its branches. The most common supply is from the lower posterior intercostal arteries or the phrenic arteries. This aberrant blood supply is a key feature of this condition, which can lead to complications such as recurrent infections and hemoptysis. The systemic arterial supply is a result of an abnormal embryological development, where the lung tissue fails to connect to the pulmonary capillary bed.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not provided, but typically, it would be an incorrect answer, such as the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery supplies the normal lung tissue, not the sequestrated portion.
* **Option B:** This option might be another incorrect answer, such as the bronchial arteries, which supply the airways and are not the primary source of blood supply for pulmonary sequestrations.
* **Option C:** This option might be another incorrect answer, such as the superior vena cava, which is not a typical source of blood supply for pulmonary sequestrations.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key feature of pulmonary sequestration is the presence of a systemic arterial supply, which can be identified on imaging studies such as angiography or CT scans. This is an important diagnostic clue to distinguish it from other lung lesions.
**Correct Answer: D. A systemic artery, often the lower posterior intercostal arteries or the phrenic arteries.**