Anatomy and Surface Markings of the Lungs and Pleura

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomical landmarks, surface markings, lobes, fissures, and pleural recesses of the anterior, lateral, and posterior lungs.

Apex of the lung

The uppermost portion of each lung, whose anterior surface marking lies $1.5\,\text{cm}$ above the medial $1/4$ of the clavicle.

Sternoclavicular joint

The joint posterior to which the anterior medial surface marking lines of each lung curve as they descend.

Cardiac notch

An anterior indentation of the left lung located between the 4th and 6th costal cartilages that accounts for the deviation of the left lung's medial border.

Right lung anterior surface marking

The boundary line extending down posterior to the sternum to the 6th costal cartilage, which is then continued laterally to the midclavicular line.

Left lung anterior surface marking

The boundary line continuing posterior to the sternum down to the 4th costal cartilage, deviating for the cardiac notch, and continuing to the 6th costal cartilage at the midclavicular line.

6th costal cartilage surface landmark

An anterior landmark located by palpating the xiphisternum and placing two fingers above that point.

Lateral surface marking of the lungs

The border on both sides that sweeps round and down from the 6th rib at the midclavicular line anteriorly to the 8th rib at the mid-axillary line laterally.

Mid-axillary line

The vertical anatomical line aligned with the armpit, where the inferior surface marking of the lung reaches the 8th rib laterally.

Posterior surface marking of the lungs

The boundary line extending from the 8th rib at the mid-axillary line down to the level of the 10th rib inline with the inferior angle of the scapula, then continuing to T10 at the vertebral column.

Inferior angle of the scapula

A posterior landmark level with the T7 spinous process at the spine; palpating down 3 spinous processes from it locates T10.

Cervical pleura

The region of parietal pleura covering the apex of the lung extending superiorly past the thoracic inlet.

Costodiaphragmatic recess

A potential space of the pleural cavity located inferiorly where the costal pleura meets the diaphragmatic pleura.

Costomediastinal recess

A potential space of the pleural cavity located anteriorly along the junction of the costal pleura and mediastinal pleura.

Lingula

The tongue-like projection situated on the anterior inferior aspect of the upper lobe of the left lung, inferior to the cardiac notch.

Right lung

The lung divided into 3 lobes: the upper lobe, middle lobe, and inferior (lower) lobe.

Left lung

The lung divided into 2 lobes: the upper lobe and the lower (inferior) lobe.

Horizontal fissure

A fissure present on the right lung separating the superior lobe from the middle lobe.

Oblique fissure

A fissure present in both lungs separating the inferior lobe from the superior (and middle) lobes.