Lung Auscultation Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does 'anterior' refer to in anatomy?

The back of a structure

The top of a structure

The side of a structure

The front of a structure (correct)

What is auscultation?

The action of listening to sounds from the heart, lungs, or other organs, typically with a stethoscope.

What does the term 'bronchial' relate to?

The bronchi, which are the larger air passages of the lungs.

What is a crackle in terms of lung sounds?

An adventitious lung sound heard on auscultation, produced by air passing over retained airway secretions or the sudden opening of collapsed airways. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during expiration?

The lungs exhale, the diaphragm relaxes, and air is forced out of the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during inspiration?

The diaphragm contracts and pulls downward, increasing the size of the thoracic cavity and decreasing pressure, allowing air to rush in. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'posterior' refer to in anatomy?

The back of a structure. Signup and view all the answers

What organs are primary to the respiratory system?

The two lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a stethoscope?

To transmit low-volume sounds such as a heartbeat to the ear of the listener. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a wheeze?

A high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing, often associated with difficulty breathing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lung Auscultation Terms

Anterior: Refers to the front of the body or structures, opposite of posterior; essential in positioning during examinations.
Auscultation: The medical practice of listening to internal sounds, such as those of the heart and lungs, using a stethoscope for diagnostic purposes.
Bronchial: Pertains to the bronchi, the main air passages from the trachea to the lungs; important for understanding respiratory pathology.
Crackle: An abnormal lung sound detected during auscultation, indicating fluid in the airways or sudden opening of collapsed airways; categorized as fine or coarse and occurs during inspiration or expiration.
Expiration: The process of exhaling; involves diaphragm relaxation and thoracic cavity pressure increase, causing air to be expelled from the lungs.
Inspiration: The inhalation phase where the diaphragm contracts and thoracic cavity volume expands, lowering pressure and allowing air to flow into the lungs.
Posterior: Refers to the back of the body or structures, important for anatomical orientation during examinations.

Respiratory System Overview

Structure: The respiratory system’s primary organs are the two lungs, located in the thoracic cavity beside the heart; these organs are protected by the rib cage.
Diaphragm Function: This muscle plays a crucial role in respiration by helping to control the air pressure within the thoracic cavity and facilitating airflow into and out of the lungs.
Pleural Membranes and Fluid: These structures allow for smooth movement of the lungs within the thoracic cavity during breathing, essential for efficient respiratory function.

Diagnostic Tools

Stethoscope: A medical instrument designed to amplify low-volume body sounds, such as heartbeats and intestinal noises, aiding in the assessment of health status.

Abnormal Lung Sounds

Wheeze: A high-pitched sound produced during breathing, often indicating airway obstruction; can occur during both inhalation and exhalation, signaling respiratory distress.

Description

Test your knowledge on lung auscultation landmarks and sounds with these flashcards. This quiz covers essential terms related to lung anatomy and auscultation techniques. Perfect for medical students and professionals.