Human Anatomy: Lungs Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended source-to-image distance (SID) to minimize magnification of the heart in chest radiography?

72 inches (correct)

60 inches

84 inches

48 inches

Why is a high kilovoltage peak (kVp) typically used in chest radiography?

To penetrate and visualize all thoracic anatomy (correct)

To increase the contrast of pulmonary vascular markings

To reduce the exposure time to the patient

To enhance the color of the radiograph

What is the purpose of using a grid in chest radiography?

To increase the exposure time

To visualize the heart more clearly

To show lung structures through thickened pleural membranes (correct)

To reduce patient exposure to radiation

What should be ensured regarding female patients before a chest radiograph?

They are not pregnant Signup and view all the answers

In which position should patients ideally be examined for a chest radiograph?

Standing or seated position Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for ensuring gonadal shielding during radiography?

To reduce the dose of radiation exposure to reproductive organs Signup and view all the answers

What size image receptor is recommended for each chest image on an adult?

14 by 17 inches Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected position of air and fluid in a chest radiograph?

Fluid goes down, air goes up Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the serous membrane covering the lungs?

To reduce friction during lung movement. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the structure of the left lung?

Contains a cardiac notch conforming to the heart. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the right lung from the left lung?

The right lung has two fissures creating three lobes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the pleural cavity?

To create space for lung expansion and movement. Signup and view all the answers

During which respiratory action do the lateral margins of the lungs descend?

Inspiration. Signup and view all the answers

How are the lung lobes arranged relative to one another?

The superior lobe overlaps the inferior lobe anteriorly. Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature allows the hilum to accommodate specific structures?

It is a concave area on the mediastinal surface. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the visceral pleura?

The layer adhering directly to the lung surface. Signup and view all the answers

What should the central ray be positioned perpendicular to during an examination of the thoracic viscera?

T7 (inferior angle of the scapula) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended distance for the source-to-image distance (SID) in lateral chest projections?

72 inches (183 cm) Signup and view all the answers

What should be adjusted when collimating for a PA chest projection?

To 14 inches (35 cm) lengthwise and 1 inch (2.5 cm) beyond lateral shadows Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is not typically shown in a PA projection of thoracic viscera?

Liver Signup and view all the answers

For a patient with hypersthenic body habitus, how should the IR be positioned for the chest projection?

Crosswise Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of having the patient rotate their shoulders forward during the procedure?

To enable better visibility of the thoracic viscera Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following criteria should be evaluated for a PA chest projection?

Alignment of the spine with the IR Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using the left lateral chest position in radiography?

It places the heart closer to the image receptor. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these features may appear more prominent in a PA chest projection taken at the end of expiration?

Vascular marks Signup and view all the answers

Where is the epiglottis located in relation to the laryngeal entrance?

Behind the root of the tongue and hyoid bone Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an important criterion for the PA projection?

The shoulders must depress and be in contact with the grid. Signup and view all the answers

What should be examined to check for rotation in a lateral chest radiograph?

The posterior aspects of the ribs. Signup and view all the answers

What forms the laryngeal prominence commonly known as the Adam's apple?

Thyroid cartilage Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is described as lying in front of the vertebral column?

Esophagus Signup and view all the answers

When is the best time to obtain radiographs of the heart to prevent distortion?

At the end of normal inspiration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal in instructing the patient to raise their arms during a lateral chest projection?

To prevent superimposition of soft tissue on the lung fields. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the thymus gland?

Production of thymosin for the immune system Signup and view all the answers

What technique is commonly used to assess the presence of pneumothorax in a patient?

Exposure at end of full inspiration and again at end of full expiration. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the thymus gland after puberty?

It gradually undergoes atrophy Signup and view all the answers

What effect does deep inspiration have on the diaphragm and the heart?

The diaphragm moves inferiorly, elongating the heart. Signup and view all the answers

What comprises the contents of the mediastinum?

Heart, great vessels, trachea, esophagus, thymus, and other structures Signup and view all the answers

What factor is considered when determining exposure factors for thoracic radiographs?

The pathologic condition of the patient. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended patient position to prevent engorgement of pulmonary vessels during a chest exam?

Upright position Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging technique is often employed to assess esophageal anatomy?

Barium swallow study Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structure of the Lungs

Lungs consist of light, spongy, highly elastic parenchyma, covered by serous membrane.
They occupy space within the thoracic cage, with a rounded apex above the clavicles and a broad base resting on the diaphragm.
Right lung has two fissures creating three lobes; the left lung has one horizontal fissure creating two lobes.
The base of the lungs is lower posteriorly than anteriorly, and lateral surfaces conform to the diaphragm.

Respiratory Anatomy

Hilum of each lung is where bronchi, pulmonary blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves enter.
The left lung features a cardiac notch, accommodating the heart's shape.
Each lung is enclosed in a double-walled pleura: visceral pleura adheres directly to the lung surface; parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity wall.

Mediastinal Components

Mediastinum is the area between the sternum and spine flanked by the lungs, containing the heart, great vessels, trachea, esophagus, thymus, lymphatics, and nerves.
Thymus gland produces thymosin, crucial for immune system development, reaching its largest size at puberty before atrophying.

Chest Imaging Techniques

Upright positions preferred in imaging to prevent pulmonary vessel engorgement and allow proper diaphragm placement.
Left lateral position commonly used to reduce heart magnification.
Avoid rotation in PA projections for accurate heart shadow representation.

PA Projection Preparation

Patient should wear a gown with the back open; remove jewelry and other items from the waist up.
Ensure equal weight distribution on feet and proper shoulder depression for accurate positioning.
Central ray targeted to T7, with precise collimation to avoid unnecessary exposure.

Breathing Instructions

Normal respiration leads to expansion of the thorax; imaging should capture heart at end of normal inspiration to minimize distortion.
Special exposures taken for conditions like pneumothorax at full inspiration and expiration to reveal free air in the pleural cavity.

Technical Factors in Imaging

High kilovoltage peak (kVp) recommended to ensure adequate penetration of thoracic anatomy.
Use an SID of 72 inches to minimize heart magnification and enhance spatial resolution.
Radiation protection measures include gonadal shielding and proper collimation to restrict the beam.

Evaluation Criteria for Imaging

Characteristics of PA projections include visibility of the trachea, lungs, diaphragmatic domes, heart, and aortic arch.
Evaluation criteria should ensure clear depiction of all pertinent thoracic structures for diagnosis accuracy.

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Description

This quiz explores the anatomical features of the lungs, including their structure and position within the thoracic cavity. It covers essential information about the spongy parenchyma, the protective serous membrane, and the lung's apex and base. Test your knowledge of lung anatomy and its significance in the respiratory system.