The Thorax and Lungs Abnormalities Anatomy Quiz

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a descriptor used to locate findings on the chest?

Supraclavicular

Interscapular

Infrascapular

Pericardial (correct)

Where does the trachea bifurcate into its main bronchi?

At the level of the diaphragm

At the level of the aortic arch

At the level of the clavicles

At the level of the sternal angle anteriorly and the T4 spinous process posteriorly (correct)

What is the relationship between the right and left main bronchi?

The right main bronchus branches off the trachea at a more acute angle than the left main bronchus

The left main bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the right main bronchus

The right main bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left main bronchus (correct)

The right and left main bronchi are of equal size and orientation

Which of the following statements about the relationship between physical examination findings and lung lobes is correct?

Signs found laterally in the right middle lung field could come from any of the three different lobes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between breath sounds over the trachea/bronchi versus the lung parenchyma?

Breath sounds over the trachea and bronchi have a harsher quality than those over the denser lung parenchyma Signup and view all the answers

Where does the left main bronchus extend from before entering the lung hilum?

It extends inferolaterally from below the aortic arch and anterior to the esophagus and thoracic aorta Signup and view all the answers

Where does the lower border of the lung lie posteriorly?

Level of the T10 spinous process Signup and view all the answers

Which rib does the lower border of the lung cross at the midaxillary line?

8th rib Signup and view all the answers

How many lobes does the left lung have?

Two lobes Signup and view all the answers

Which artery supplies deoxygenated blood to each lung?

Pulmonary Artery Signup and view all the answers

How far above the inner third of the clavicle does the apex of each lung rise anteriorly?

~2-4 cm Signup and view all the answers

What divides each lung roughly in half?

Oblique fissure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the anatomy of the lungs is correct?

The pulmonary alveoli are responsible for gas exchange in the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

Which lung lobe is more prone to aspiration pneumonia?

Right lower lobe Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pleural fluid in the pleural space?

To lubricate the movement of the lungs during respiration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions can cause a pleural effusion?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a transudative pleural effusion and an exudative pleural effusion?

Transudative effusions are caused by increased hydrostatic pressure, while exudative effusions are caused by increased permeability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical structure that separates the lungs from the chest wall?

Pleural membranes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anatomical Descriptors of the Chest

Supraclavicular: above the clavicles
Infraclavicular: below the clavicles
Interscapular: between the scapulae
Infrascapular: below the scapulae
Bases of the lungs: the lowermost portions
Upper, middle, and lower lung fields

The Trachea and Major Bronchi

The trachea bifurcates into its mainstem bronchi at the levels of the sternal angle anteriorly and the T4 spinous process posteriorly
Right main bronchus: wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left main bronchus, directly enters the hilum of the lung
Left main bronchus: extends inferolaterally from below the aortic arch and anterior to the esophagus and thoracic aorta, then enters the lung hilum

Location of the Lungs

Apex of each lung: rises approximately 2 to 4 cm above the inner third of the clavicle
Lower border of the lung: crosses the 6th rib at the midclavicular line and the 8th rib at the midaxillary line
Posteriorly, the lower border of the lung: lies at about the level of the T10 spinous process

Fissures and Lobes

Each lung is divided roughly in half by an oblique (major) fissure
Right lung: further divided by the horizontal (minor) fissure into upper, middle, and lower lobes (RUL, RML, and RLL)
Left lung: divided into upper and lower lobes (LUL, LLL)

Blood Supply and Gas Exchange

Each lung receives deoxygenated blood from its pulmonary artery
Oxygenated blood returns from each lung to the left atrium via the pulmonary veins
Gas exchange occurs in the sac-like pulmonary alveoli

The Pleurae

Two continuous pleural surfaces, or serous membranes, separate the lungs from the chest wall
Visceral pleura: covers the outer surface of the lungs
Parietal pleura: lines the pleural cavity along the inner rib cage and the upper surface of the diaphragm
Pleural space: contains serous pleural fluid, which keeps the lung in contact with the thoracic wall during respiration
Pleural effusions: may be transudates or exudates, caused by various conditions such as heart failure, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism

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Description

Test your knowledge on the general anatomical terms used to locate abnormalities in the chest and lungs, including supraclavicular, infraclavicular, interscapular, infrascapular, and lung fields. Understand how physical examination findings correlate with underlying lobe abnormalities.