At the lung hilum, the arrangement of structures from anterior to posterior in the right main bronchus is classically described by which mnemonic?

Explanation

## Hilum Anatomy and Vascular-Bronchial Relationships **Key Point:** At the right lung hilum, the arrangement of structures from **anterior to posterior** is classically described by the mnemonic **VAB** — **V**ein, **A**rtery, **B**ronchus. ### Hilum Structure — Right Side (Anterior → Posterior) | Structure | Position | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | Pulmonary Vein | Most Anterior | Superior and inferior pulmonary veins lie anteriorly | | Pulmonary Artery | Middle | Lies between the vein and bronchus | | Bronchus | Most Posterior | Right main bronchus is the most posterior structure | **High-Yield:** The classic anatomical teaching (Gray's Anatomy; Snell's Clinical Anatomy) for the right hilum from anterior to posterior is **VAB** (Vein → Artery → Bronchus). This is the standard mnemonic used in surgical and radiological anatomy. **Mnemonic:** **VAB** = **V**ein, **A**rtery, **B**ronchus (anterior to posterior at the right hilum) **Clinical Pearl:** On the **left side**, the arrangement differs slightly — the left pulmonary artery arches superiorly over the left main bronchus (the "seahorse" configuration on imaging), making the left hilum anatomy distinct. However, the VAB relationship for the right hilum remains the standard teaching point for NEET PG / INI-CET. **Why BAV is incorrect:** BAV (Bronchus, Artery, Vein) reverses the correct order. The bronchus is the most *posterior* structure at the right hilum, not the most anterior. Confusing anterior-to-posterior with posterior-to-anterior is a common error. **Surgical Relevance:** Knowledge of VAB is critical during right pneumonectomy and lobectomy — surgeons ligate the pulmonary vein first (anteriorly accessible), then the artery, and finally divide the bronchus posteriorly.