Chapter 3: Recognizing Normal Pulmonary Anatomy

Question 1

What are the “white lines” seen on CXRs usually?

Answer 1

blood vessels

Question 2

Are bronchi visible on a normal CXR?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

Are Pleura visible on a normal CXR?

Answer 3

No

Question 4

Due to gravity, which vessels are larger than other vessels of lungs?

Answer 4

the vessels at the BASE are larger than the vessels at the APEX

Question 5

What are the 5 key areas of the Lateral CXR?

Answer 5

The Retrosternal Clear Space
The hilar Region
The fissures
The thoracic Spine
The diaphragm and posterior costophrenic sulci

Question 6

What should you see on an adequate lateral CXR in the retrosternal clear space?

Answer 6

lucent crescent between sternum and ascending aorta

Question 7

What should you see in the hilar region on an adequate lateral CXR?

Answer 7

no discrete mass present

Question 8

What should you see in the fissures on an adequate lateral CXR?

Answer 8

major and minor fissures should be pencil-point thin, if visible at all

Question 9

What should you see of the thoracic spine on an adequate lateral CXR?

Answer 9

rectangular vertebral bodies with paralell end plates; disk spaces maintain height from top to bottom of thoracic spine

Question 10

What should you see of the diaphragm and costophrenic sulci on an adequate lateral CXR?

Answer 10

Right hemidiaphragm slightly higher than left; sharp posterior costophrenic sulci