Chest Anatomy and Radiography

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to chest anatomy and radiographic techniques.

Bony Thorax

Protective framework consisting of the sternum, clavicles, scapulae, ribs, and thoracic vertebrae.

Mediastinum

Space between the lungs containing structures such as the trachea, esophagus, thymus gland, and heart.

Pharynx

A common passageway for both food and respiration located behind the nose and mouth.

Respiratory System

System responsible for the exchange of gaseous substances between air and blood, consisting of the pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Trachea

The windpipe; a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi.

Pulmonary Pleura

The inner layer of the pleura that covers the lungs.

Parietal Pleura

The outer layer of the pleura that lines the thoracic cavity.

Pleural Cavity

The space between the parietal and visceral pleura that contains pleural fluid.

Inspiration

The process of inhalation where the diaphragm contracts and creates negative pressure in the thoracic cavity.

Expiration

The process of exhalation where the diaphragm relaxes and pressure increases in the thoracic cavity.

KVP (Kilovolt Peak)

A measure of the peak voltage applied across the X-ray tube; important in determining the quality of the X-ray beam.

Body Habitus

Classifications of body types that affect the positioning of organs, including hypersthenic, sthenic, hyposthenic, and asthenic.

Collimation

The restriction of the X-ray beam to include only the area of interest, reducing exposure to surrounding tissues.

Atelectasis

The complete or partial collapse of a lung or lobe of a lung.

Pneumothorax

The presence of air in the pleural cavity causing the lung to collapse.

Erect Position

A standing position that allows the diaphragm to move lower, facilitating better lung expansion.

Casting Method

A positioning technique for determining landmark locations based on body measurements.

Oblique Positioning

Image acquisition technique where the patient is rotated to demonstrate structures in profile.

Silicosis

A type of pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of fine silica dust, leading to lung inflammation and scarring.

Larynx

The voice box located in the neck, responsible for sound production.

Carina

The ridge at the junction of the trachea and the primary bronchi.