Chest Anatomy & Radiographic Positioning – Exam Review

34 question–answer flashcards covering chest anatomy, pleura, mediastinum, respiratory structures, imaging techniques, projections, and common clinical considerations for radiographic positioning exams.

Into which three major areas is the chest divided for anatomical study?

Bony thorax, respiratory system, and mediastinum.

What structures make up the bony thorax?

Sternum (manubrium, body, xiphoid), clavicles, scapulae, 12 pairs of ribs, and 12 thoracic vertebrae.

Name the primary organs of the respiratory system.

Pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

List the four main structures located within the mediastinum.

Heart and great vessels, trachea, esophagus, and thymus gland.

What is the function of the pharynx in respiration?

It serves as a common passageway for both air and food.

Between which vertebral levels is the larynx (voice box) located?

C3 to C6.

The trachea extends between which vertebral levels?

C6 to approximately T4–T5.

How does the right primary bronchus differ from the left?

It is wider, shorter, and more vertical.

Which bronchi enter each lung lobe?

Secondary (lobar) bronchi.

At what sites in the lungs does gas exchange occur?

The alveoli.

What is the name of the double-walled sac surrounding each lung?

The pleura.

Which pleural layer is attached to the inner chest wall?

Parietal pleura.

Which pleural layer adheres directly to lung tissue?

Visceral pleura.

Define pneumothorax.

Air in the pleural space causing lung collapse.

Define hemothorax.

Blood in the pleural space.

Define pleurisy.

Inflammation of the pleura.

Name the four classic body habitus types that affect chest positioning.

Hypersthenic, sthenic, hyposthenic, and asthenic.

What breathing instruction is preferred for routine chest radiography?

Take the exposure on the second full inspiration.

How many posterior ribs should be visible above the diaphragm on a well-inspired PA chest?

Ten posterior ribs.

What kVp range is recommended for an adult chest radiograph?

110–125 kVp.

Where is the central ray (CR) directed for a standard PA chest projection?

To the level of T7 (inferior angle of scapula).

For a lateral chest projection, which side is typically placed against the image receptor and why?

The left side, to minimize heart magnification.

Why might an AP supine chest make the heart appear larger?

Increased magnification due to greater object-to-IR distance and supine positioning.

Which projection is best for demonstrating fluid or air levels when the patient cannot stand?

Decubitus (horizontal beam) projection.

What is the purpose of an AP lordotic chest projection?

To visualize the lung apices free of clavicular superimposition.

Which oblique positions elongate thoracic structures and are commonly used for chest studies?

RAO/LAO or RPO/LPO positions.

Name one key criterion for detecting rotation on a PA chest radiograph.

Sternoclavicular (SC) joints should be symmetrical to the spine.

What pediatric immobilization device is commonly used for chest radiography?

Pigg-O-Stat.

Which decubitus position best demonstrates a right-sided pleural effusion when the patient is supine?

Right lateral decubitus.

Which decubitus position is used to demonstrate a left-sided pneumothorax when the patient is supine?

Left lateral decubitus.

Silicosis is classified as what type of occupational lung disease?

A form of pneumoconiosis.

Is the epiglottis considered a mediastinal structure?

No, it is not part of the mediastinum.

Compared with the right bronchus, how does the left primary bronchus differ in size and length?

It is smaller in diameter but roughly twice as long.