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Which structures comprise the bones that should be assessed on a frontal chest x-ray?
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Vertebral column, ribs, clavicles, spine, shoulder, and humeral head.
Explain the significance of the cable-atrial junction as seen on a chest x-ray.
The cable atrial junction refers to the anatomical site where the superior vena cava meets the right atrium, which can be assessed during central venous line placement.
How should you interpret the position of the diaphragms on a chest x-ray?
The right diaphragm is typically higher than the left due to the presence of the liver.
On a chest x-ray, where are you likely to find the left atrial appendage (auricle)?
The left atrial appendage forms part of the left heart border visible just above the left ventricle.
What features are evaluated within the pleura on a chest x-ray?
Look for pleural effusions, thickening, and pneumothorax.
What structures can be found in the right hilum of the lungs on a chest x-ray?
Right pulmonary artery, right interlobar artery, and superior pulmonary vein.
What anatomical structures form the mediastinum on the left side of a frontal chest x-ray?
Left subclavian artery, aortic arch, pulmonary trunk, aorto-pulmonary window, left atrial appendage, and left ventricle.
What openings are present in the diaphragm, and at which vertebral levels are they located?
Aortic opening (T12), esophageal opening (T10), and vena caval opening (T8).
Why is it important to systematically examine the soft tissues in a chest x-ray?
To identify potential masses or abnormalities, particularly above the clavicles, in the axilla, and consider other soft tissue such as breast tissue in females.
Which structures are visualized as forming the right heart border on a chest x-ray?
The right atrium forms the right heart border.
What is the significance of the aortic knuckle on a chest x-ray?
The aortic knuckle represents the aortic arch and is a critical mediastinal contour seen on frontal chest x-rays.
Identify the lines and stripes associated with the trachea seen on frontal chest x-rays.
Posterior Junctional Line, Anterior Junctional Line, Asygoesophageal line, left and right paratracheal stripes, and paravertebral lines.
Describe the bronchopulmonary tree anatomy as visualized on a frontal chest x-ray.
Includes the trachea bifurcating into right and left main bronchi, with further divisions into lobar bronchi for the right upper, middle, lower lobes and left upper, lower lobes.
What does the term 'aorto-pulmonary window' refer to on a chest x-ray?
A space usually seen on the left side of the mediastinum between the aortic arch and the pulmonary arteries, sometimes referred to in assessing for lymphadenopathy.
In which lung and between which lobes does the horizontal fissure appear?
The horizontal fissure is present in the right lung between the upper and middle lobes.
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