Radiographic Procedures I: Chest & Abdomen

Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing key thoracic and abdominal anatomy, body habitus types, and radiographic positioning terms.

Body Habitus

Determines the shape, position, and movement of the internal organs.

Sthenic

A body habitus characterized by lungs of moderate length and a moderately high diaphragm.

Asthenic

A body habitus characterized by long lungs with apices above the clavicles (which may be broader above the base) and a low diaphragm.

Hyposthenic

A body habitus that is intermediate between sthenic and asthenic.

Hypersthenic

A body habitus characterized by short lungs with apices at or near the clavicles and a high diaphragm.

Trachea

A fibrous, muscular tube with 16 to 20 C-shaped cartilaginous rings in its walls for strength, measuring approximately $\frac{1}{2}\,\text{inch}$ ($1.3\,\text{cm}$) in diameter and $4\frac{1}{2}\,\text{inches}$ ($11\,\text{cm}$) in length, located in the midline anterior to the esophagus.

Carina

A hook-like process on the last cartilage where the trachea divides, or bifurcates, into the right and left primary bronchi.

Right Primary Bronchus

The primary bronchus that is shorter, wider, and more vertical than the left primary bronchus, making it easier for foreign bodies to enter.

Apex (Lung)

The superior portion of the lung.

Base (Lung)

The inferior portion of the lung.

Costophrenic Angles

The lateral sides of the lungs at the inferior margin.

Hilum

The medial border of the lung.

Pleura

A double-walled serous membrane sac enclosing each lung.

Visceral Pleura

The inner layer of the pleura sac that encloses the lung.

Parietal Pleura

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

Mediastinum

The area of the thorax bounded by the sternum anteriorly, spine posteriorly, and lungs laterally, containing the heart, great vessels, trachea, esophagus, thymus, lymphatics, nerves, fibrous tissue, and fat.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The body cavity extending from the diaphragm to the bony pelvis, consisting of the abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity.

Lindblom Method

Also known as the AP Axial Projection – Lordotic Position, in which the upright patient's thorax coronal plane forms a $15^{\circ}\text{--}20^{\circ}$ angle with the CR and IR to demonstrate the lung apices.

KUB

An acronym standing for Kidneys, Ureters, & Bladder, designating a standard AP projection of the abdomen.