Surface markings of the lungs Flashcards
Anterior marking of the lungs
Apex of each lung extends 3 cm above medial 1/3 of clavicle.
Descends from apex behind sterno-clavicular joint
Come together at manubriosternal joint (angle of louis)
At level of 4 costal cartilage on the left the border at the level of the 6 costal cartilage in the mid clavicular line
The right border continues straight down to the 6 costal cartilage and the border continues round to mid axilla, and follows the 8th rib
Posterior surface marking of the lung
Passes down from apex 2cm lateral to the spinous processes to the level of 10th rib
Inferior marking
Passess almost horizontally around chest wall
Anterior, mid axillary line and posterior rib/costal cartilage
Anterior- 6 costal cartilage
Mid axillary line - 8 rib
Posterior - 10 rib
Lobes in the right and left lung
Upper middle and lower lobe in the right
Left has only an upper and lower
Fissures
Each lung has an oblique fissure
Right lung in addition has a horizontal fissure
Oblique fissure
Marked by a line drawn obliquely downward and forward starting:
From a point 2 cm lateral to spine of T3
Crossing mid axillary line at the 5 rib reaching inferior border of the lung at 6 costal cartilage
The medial border of the scapula gives (a good guide for the direction of this line when the arm is raised above the head)
Transverse fissure
The oblique fissure at the level of the 5 rib in the mid axillary line
running along lower border of the 4 rib to the medial border of right lung
Pleura
The lung marking coincides with those of the pleura except inferior where the lungs do not extend into the lateral recesses.
The parietal pleura extend approx. 5 cm (2 rib spaces) below the inferior border of the lung.
Anterior 6 costal cartilage
Mid axillary line 10 rib
Posterior 12 rib
Apex beat
Left 5 intercostal space in mid clavicular line (in line with nipple)
Carina
Lies behind the manubriosternal joint
This also represents the level where the:
Second ribs join the sternum
Both lungs reach the mid-line
