Thoracic Viscera

Name the organs which make up the thoracic viscera.

heart, lungs, esophagus, and thymus gland

The area between the two lungs is called the:

mediastinum

Where does the trachea lie in relationship to the esophagus?

anterior (in front of)

What is the carina?

the hooklike process on the last tracheal cartilage

The lungs are composed of a light, spongy, elastic substance called:

parenchyma

True or False: The right lung is longer than the left.

false

What can be found within the mediastinum?

heart and esophagus

What is the optimal position for patients for exams of the lungs and heart?

upright

Why do we perform a left lateral chest more frequently than a right lateral?

the patient's heart is closer to the image receptor

The presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity is termed:

pneumothorax

When would films be done on both inspiration and expiration?

when a patient is suspected of having a small amount of free air in the pleural cavity

What exposure technique is required to penetrate all of the thoracic anatomy?

high kVp

What are the advantages of using a 72-inch SID for chest X-rays?

increased spatial resolution of delicate lung structures and decreased magnification of the heart

How far above the shoulders should the top of the IR be placed for PA and lateral chest X-rays?

1.5 to 2 inches

What is the CR angle for a PA chest X-ray?

perpendicular to T7 @ MSP

What are the breathing instructions for chest X-rays?

full double inspiration (take a deep breath in, breathe out, take another deep breath in, and hold)

How many ribs should be visualized above the diaphragm on a PA chest X-ray?

10

Which plane should be parallel to the IR on a lateral chest radiograph?

MSP

What is the degree of obliquity for an oblique chest X-ray?

YH: 45

GH: 15

Where does the central ray enter the body on a PA oblique chest X-ray?

perpendicular to T7 @ midway between spine and lateral border of the body on the elevated side

For an AP oblique chest, the side of interest is the side...

the side closer to the IR

An AP oblique—RPO corresponds to a PA oblique ______________.

LAO

What differences will be seen between an upright chest X-ray versus a supine?

...

What is another name for a lordotic chest?

lindblom method

What portion of the lung is visualized on a lordotic view?

apices

How far should the patient stand in front of the IR before leaning on a lordotic?

1 foot

If a patient cannot be placed in a lordotic position, what CR angle should be used?

15 to 20 degrees cephalad

True or False: The CR is vertical for a decubitus position/projection.

false

How long should the patient lie on their side before taking a decubitus film?

5 minutes

Which side should the patient lie on for the decubitus if you are interested in seeing fluid?

affected side

What is the purpose of the alveoli?

to allow for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the bloodstream and the lungs

The space between the two pleural walls is known as the:

pleural cavity

What structure separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities?

diaphragm

What part of the thoracic cavity contains all of the organs except the lungs?

mediastinum

Which primary bronchus is shorter and wider?

right primary bronchus

What structures are found at the end of the terminal bronchioles?

alveoli

What is a pneumothorax?

the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity that causes partial or complete collapse of the lung