Anatomy of the Thoracic Cavity
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Questions and Answers

Which organ is located in the thoracic cavity?

  • Spleen
  • Heart (correct)
  • Stomach
  • Liver
  • What is the function of the serous membranes lining the chambers within the thoracic cavity?

  • To provide structural support to the lungs.
  • To facilitate gas exchange.
  • To prevent friction between organs. (correct)
  • To secrete hormones that regulate breathing.
  • Which structures are contained within the mediastinum?

  • Lungs and trachea
  • Lungs and pleurae
  • Trachea, esophagus, and heart (correct)
  • Pleurae and esophagus
  • What is one key reason why the right bronchus is a common location for a foreign body to be lodged in children?

    <p>The right bronchus is wider and more vertical than the left. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of cartilaginous rings embedded in the wall of the trachea?

    <p>To allow the trachea to withstand trauma and maintain rigidity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the pharynx contribute to both the respiratory and digestive systems?

    <p>It serves as a common passageway for both air and food. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a patient requires intubation, where should the tip of the endotracheal tube ideally be positioned?

    <p>5 cm above the carina (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A patient has a tumor affecting the thymus gland. Which of the following systems is most likely to be directly affected by this condition?

    <p>The lymphatic system. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the anatomical relationship between the trachea and esophagus in the neck?

    <p>The trachea is located anterior to the esophagus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the position of the trachea change as it descends from the neck into the thorax?

    <p>It shifts slightly to the right due to the arching of the aorta. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the carina, and where is it located?

    <p>A cartilaginous ridge at the bifurcation of the trachea into the primary bronchi. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Due to its anatomical characteristics, a foreign object is more likely to enter which primary bronchus?

    <p>The right primary bronchus, due to being shorter, wider, and more vertical. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Arrange the following components of the bronchial tree in order from superior to inferior:

    <p>Primary bronchi, Secondary bronchi, Tertiary bronchi, Bronchioles, Terminal bronchioles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what structures does gas exchange primarily occur in the lungs?

    <p>Alveoli (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli?

    <p>Alveolar ducts end in alveolar sacs, and the walls of these sacs are lined with alveoli. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the right lung shorter than the left lung?

    <p>To accommodate the liver's position. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the visceral layer within the context of the thoracic cavity?

    <p>To directly cover and protect the internal organs such as the lungs and heart. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does body habitus influence the visualization of internal organs in thoracic imaging?

    <p>It determines the size, shape, position, and movement of the internal organs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to avoid clipping the costophrenic angles in chest imaging, especially when looking for fluid?

    <p>Fluid accumulation, if present, tends to collect in these dependent areas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the anatomical structure that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity?

    <p>The diaphragm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What anatomical structure marks the anterior boundary of the nasopharynx?

    <p>Posterior nasal apertures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure prevents food from entering the larynx during swallowing?

    <p>Epiglottis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When performing a chest X-ray on a patient who cannot stand, which position is generally preferred, and what percentage of fluid detection capability is associated with it?

    <p>Supine; 5% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Between which two vertebrae does the larynx typically extend?

    <p>C4 to C6 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is standing the first position for chest imaging when evaluating a patient for air and fluid levels?

    <p>Standing helps visualize air-fluid levels because air rises to the highest point. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The base of the tongue forms the anterior wall of which section of the pharynx?

    <p>Oropharynx (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the thoracic aperture, and how does it relate to structures passing between the thorax and abdomen?

    <p>It marks the superior and inferior extent of the thoracic cavity and includes openings for structures passing to the abdomen. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When using a rectangular cassette for chest imaging, how should its orientation (crosswise or lengthwise) be determined, and what is the guiding factor?

    <p>Determined by body habitus; crosswise for males, lengthwise for females. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the other term used to describe the laryngeal prominence?

    <p>Adam's apple (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The anterior wall of the laryngeal pharynx is formed by what structure?

    <p>Posterior surface of the larynx (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is a longer SID (Source-to-Image Distance) typically used for lateral soft tissue neck radiographs?

    <p>To compensate for the large OID (Object-to-Image Distance) and improve spatial resolution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    For optimal imaging of soft tissue in the larynx, why is a lower kVp setting preferred?

    <p>To prevent overpenetration and overexposure of soft tissue (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where does the inferior portion of the laryngeal pharynx connect?

    <p>Esophagus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During a lateral soft tissue neck radiograph, what action should the patient take with their shoulders, and why?

    <p>Clasp hands behind the body and rotate shoulders posteriorly to prevent the arms from obscuring the superior mediastinum. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the correct respiration phase during the exposure for a lateral soft tissue neck radiograph, and why?

    <p>Slow inspiration to ensure the trachea is filled with air. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where should the central ray (CR) be directed for a lateral soft tissue neck radiograph to visualize the upper airway?

    <p>Horizontal &amp; ⟂ through MCP at the laryngeal prominence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What positioning adjustments ensure there is no rotation evident on a PA radiograph of the cervical spine?

    <p>The spinous processes are equidistant to the pedicles and aligned with the midline of the vertebral bodies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between the visceral and parietal pleura?

    <p>The visceral pleura adheres to the lung surface, while the parietal pleura lines the wall of the thoracic cavity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The pleural cavity contains serous fluid, what is its primary function?

    <p>To prevent friction between the lungs and chest walls during respiration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A patient is diagnosed with a pleural effusion. How would this condition likely affect radiographic imaging of the chest?

    <p>It would require an increase in technical factors because it is fluid in the lungs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the right lung from the left lung in terms of lobar anatomy?

    <p>The right lung is divided into superior, middle, and inferior lobes, whereas the left lung only has a superior and inferior lobe. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which fissure is responsible for separating the superior and inferior lobes in both the right and left lungs?

    <p>Oblique fissure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The horizontal fissure is unique to which lung?

    <p>Right lung (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What anatomical feature is present in the left lung that is considered equivalent to the right middle lobe?

    <p>Lingula (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A patient has a condition affecting the mediastinum. Which anatomical feature, located at the bottom of the mediastinum, conforms to the shape of the heart?

    <p>Cardiac notch (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Visceral layer

    The tissue layer that covers internal organs like lungs and heart.

    Parietal layer

    The tissue layer that is away from the internal organs.

    Thoracic cavity

    The body cavity enclosed by the thorax, containing the lungs and heart.

    Diaphragm

    Muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.

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    Costophrenic angles

    Corners of the pleural cavity where the diaphragm meets the ribs.

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    Body habitus

    The physical characteristics influencing the size and position of internal organs.

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    Apex of the lungs

    The uppermost part of each lung located within the thoracic cavity.

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    Inferior thoracic aperture

    The lower opening of the thoracic cavity, where structures pass to the abdomen.

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    Pleural Cavities

    The two cavities surrounding each lung, part of the thoracic cavity.

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    Mediastinum

    The space in the thorax between the lungs containing the heart and other structures.

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    Esophagus

    The muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, part of both respiratory and digestive systems.

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    Trachea

    The windpipe that conducts air to the lungs; made of C-shaped cartilage for support.

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    Bronchi

    The two major air passages that branch from the trachea to each lung.

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    Pharynx

    A muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the esophagus and larynx.

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    Thymus Gland

    A gland located in the thoracic cavity involved in immune function, especially during childhood.

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    Bifurcation of trachea

    The point where trachea divides into right and left bronchi.

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    Right primary bronchus

    Shorter, wider, more vertical bronchus compared to left.

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    Bronchial tree subdivisions

    Includes primary, secondary, and tertiary bronchi.

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    Terminal bronchioles

    Smallest air passages before reaching alveoli.

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    Alveoli

    Tiny sacs in lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs.

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    Lungs

    Organs of respiration that introduce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

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    Carina

    A hooklike structure at the bifurcation of the trachea.

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    Pleura

    A double-walled serous membrane sac enclosing each lung.

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    Visceral Pleura

    The inner layer of pleura closely adhering to the lung surface.

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    Parietal Pleura

    The outer layer of pleura lining the thoracic cavity.

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    Pleural Cavity

    The space between the two pleural layers containing serous fluid.

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    Pleural Effusion

    Fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity.

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    Lung Lobes

    Each lung is divided into sections called lobes; right lung has 3, left lung has 2.

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    Oblique Fissure

    A deep fissure dividing the lungs into superior and inferior lobes.

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    Lingula

    Part of the left lung that corresponds to the right middle lobe.

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    Lateral Soft Tissue Neck

    Imaging procedure for evaluating airway and surrounding soft tissues.

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    SID (Source to Image Distance)

    Distance from X-ray source to the image receptor, typically 72 inches for lateral neck views.

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    Part Positioning

    Patient must position EAM level to C1/C2, with hands clasped to reduce shadows.

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    Respiration for Exposure

    Exposure is made during slow inspiration to visualize the trachea.

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    CR (Central Ray) Positioning

    Horizontal and perpendicular CR at laryngeal prominence for airway imaging.

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    Nasopharynx

    The part of the pharynx above the soft palate, connecting to the nose.

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    Epiglottis

    A thin, leaf-shaped structure that prevents food from entering the larynx during swallowing.

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    Thyroid cartilage

    Cartilage forming the Adam's apple, a prominent structure in the larynx.

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    Oropharynx

    The section of the pharynx that extends from the soft palate to the hyoid bone, forming the mouth's back wall.

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    Laryngeal pharynx

    Part of the pharynx located posterior to the larynx, continuing to the esophagus.

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    Laryngeal cavity compartments

    Three subdivisions of the laryngeal cavity formed by mucosal folds.

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    Vocal cords

    Mucosal folds within the larynx responsible for producing sound.

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    Study Notes

    Thoracic Viscera (Anatomy)

    • Two tissue layers cover cavities: visceral (closer to the organ) and parietal (further from the organ).
    • Body habitus (body type) influences the size, shape, position, and movement of internal organs.
    • Thoracic cavity is bordered by the walls of the thorax.
    • It extends from the superior thoracic aperture to the inferior thoracic aperture.
    • The diaphragm separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.
    • Structures passing from the thorax to abdomen pass through diaphragm openings.

    Thoracic Cavity

    • Contains lungs, heart, respiratory, cardiovascular, and lymphatic systems.
    • Includes the inferior portion of the esophagus and thymus gland.
    • Has three chambers (cavities): pericardial (surrounding heart), right and left pleural cavities.
    • Mediastinum separates pleural cavities and contains all thoracic structures, except lungs and pleurae (trachea, esophagus, heart, thymus).

    Respiratory System

    • Consists of the pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and two lungs.
    • Air passages connect to the exterior via the pharynx, mouth, and nose.
    • An ET tube should be inserted through the trachea 5 cm above the carina.

    Trachea

    • Fibrous, muscular tube with C-shaped cartilaginous rings for rigidity.
    • Approximately 1.3 cm in diameter and 11 cm long.
    • Posterior aspect of trachea is flat, rings are incomplete posteriorly, and extend around the anterior 2/3 of the tube.
    • Located in the midline of the body, anterior to the esophagus in the neck.
    • In the thorax, the trachea shifts to the right side due to the arching of the aorta.
    • Carina is a hooklike process on the last cartilage.

    Trachea (continued)

    • Bifurcates into two main (or primary) bronchi: right and left.
    • Right primary bronchus is shorter, wider, and more vertical than the left.
    • This positioning makes foreign bodies more likely to enter the right bronchus.

    Alveoli

    • Terminal bronchioles connect with alveolar ducts.
    • Each duct ends in several alveolar sacs.
    • Alveolar sacs are lined with alveoli within the walls of each lung.
    • Oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange via diffusion within alveolar walls

    Lungs

    • Organs responsible for respiration.
    • Introduce oxygen into blood and remove carbon dioxide.
    • Composed of a light, spongy, highly elastic substance called parenchyma.
    • Covered by a layer of serous membrane.
    • Reaches above the clavicles (apex).
    • Inferior portion is the base.
    • Rests obliquely on the diaphragm and is lower in the back and sides than in front.

    Lungs (continued)

    • Right lung is approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) shorter than the left lung due to the liver's position.
    • Right lung is broader due to the heart's position.
    • Inferior surface of lungs are concave and fit over the diaphragm.
    • During inspiration, lungs move inferiorly.
    • During expiration, lungs move superiorly.
    • Costophrenic angles are deep recesses of parietal pleura where lateral lung margins descend into the thorax.
    • Hilum is a depression within mediastinal surface holding bronchi, pulmonary blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves.

    Lungs (continued)

    • Divided into lobes by oblique and horizontal fissures.
    • Right lung has 3 lobes (superior, middle, inferior).
    • Left lung has 2 lobes (superior, inferior) plus lingula.
    • Primary lobules are the anatomic units of lung structure.

    Mediastinum

    • Area in thorax, between lungs, bordered by sternum anteriorly, spine posteriorly, and lungs laterally.
    • Structures enclosed include the heart, great vessels, trachea, esophagus, thymus, lymphatics, nerves, and fat.
    • Esophagus, part of the digestive system, connects the pharynx with the stomach and descends through the posterior mediastinum.
    • Thymus gland is a primary lymphatic control organ in the lower neck and superior mediastinum. Size maximum at puberty and then atrophies to nearly disappear.

    Neck

    • Divided into posterior and anterior portions.
    • Anterior portion contains the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
    • Thyroid is the largest part of the submandibular gland.
    • Size maximum at puberty and then atrophies to nearly disappear.

    Thyroid Gland

    • Composed of two lateral lobes connected at their lower thirds by an isthmus.
    • Located in front of the upper trachea, and the lobes are lateral to it.
    • Extends from the lower third of thyroid cartilage to the level of T1 (above the sternum)
    • Often suprasternal in position but may extend into the superior thoracic aperture.
    • Parathyroid glands are small, ovoid bodies, 2 on each side (superior and inferior) situated on the posterior aspect of adjacent thyroid lobes.

    Pharynx

    • Passage for air and food shared between the respiratory and digestive systems.
    • A musculomembranous tube in front of the vertebrae and behind the nose, mouth, and larynx.
    • Approximately 5 inches long.
    • Extends from the undersurface of the sphenoid bone inferiorly to the disc between C6 and C7.
    • Subdivided into nasal, oral, and laryngeal portions.
    • Nasopharynx lies above the soft and hard palates and connects to the nasal apertures.

    Larynx

    • Organ of voice and part of the respiratory system.
    • An air passage between the pharynx and the trachea.
    • A movable, tubular structure, wider above than below, approximately 1.5 inches long.
    • Situated below the tongue root and in front of the laryngopharynx.
    • Supported by the hyoid bone extending from the superior margin of C4 to its junction with the trachea (inferior margin of C6).
    • Epiglottis: thin, leaf-shaped structure preventing leakage into the larynx during swallowing.
    • Thyroid cartilage forms the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple).

    Pharynx (continued)

    • Oropharynx extends from the soft palate to the hyoid bone, and the base of the tongue forms its anterior wall.
    • Laryngopharynx is posterior to the larynx, with an anterior wall formed by the larynx's posterior surface, extending inferiorly and connecting to the esophagus.

    Larynx (continued)

    • Laryngeal cavity divided into three compartments by two pairs of mucosal folds extending laterally.
    • Superior pairs are the vestibular folds (false vocal cords) with the intervening space called the laryngeal vestibule.
    • Lower pairs are the vocal folds (true vocal cords) separated by the rima glottidis.

    Soft Tissue Neck Radiography

    • Demonstrates foreign bodies, swelling (especially epiglottitis), masses (intrinsic/extrinsic to airway), fractures of larynx and hyoid bone.
    • Patients may be positioned either upright or recumbent.
    • Radiographs typically focus on the upper airway (superior oropharynx to proximal trachea).

    Essential Projections for Soft Tissue Neck

    • AP (anteroposterior)
    • Lateral

    AP Soft Tissue Neck (details)

    • IR + grid: 10 x 12 inches (24 x 30 cm) lengthwise.
    • Patient position can be supine or upright based on conditions.
    • MSP (mid sagittal plane) centered on grid, with patients' shoulders in the same transverse plane.
    • IR centered at the level of the larynx(laryngeal prominence/manubrium)
    • Respiration: exposure during slow inspiration.

    AP Soft Tissue Neck (continued)

    • Collimation: 12" (30 cm) lengthwise and 1" (2.5 cm) beyond skin line on sides.
    • Evaluation criteria: proper collimation, side marker, air-filled upper airway (pharynx to proximal trachea), air-filled airway (midcervical to midthoracic region), no rotation.
    • Bony trabecular detail and soft tissues are also evaluated.

    Lateral Soft Tissue Neck (details)

    • IR + grid: 10 x 12 inches (24 x 30 cm).
    • Patient position: seated/standing, with weight evenly distributed.
    • Part position: Pt clasps hands behind back and rotates shoulders.
    • Centre airway to mid-IR.
    • Centre IR at laryngeal prominence/manubrium.

    Lateral Soft Tissue Neck (continued)

    • Collimation: 12" lengthwise and 1" beyond skin line on sides.
    • CR: Horizontal & perpendicular to MCP (mid-clavicular plane) through laryngeal prominence / through jugular notch and MCP.
    • Evaluation criteria: proper collimation, side marker, air-filled upper airway (pharynx through proximal trachea) air-filled airway(midcervical region to midthoracic), no tilting or rotation of cervical spine, superimposed zygapophyseal joints/ open intervertebral joints, superimposed rami (mandibular), and bony trabecular detail/soft tissues.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the organs and structures within the thoracic cavity. This quiz covers the functions of serous membranes, the mediastinum, and the relationship between the trachea and esophagus. Answer questions about key anatomical features and their roles in respiratory and digestive systems.

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