Ribs, Sternum, SC Joints Quiz

Thoracic Vertebrae and Sternum

• The junction of thoracic vertebrae 2 and 3 is known as the cervicothoracic junction.
• The alternative name for the body of the sternum is the gladiolus.
• The xiphoid process lies at the level of thoracic vertebrae 9-10.
• The xiphoid process is also known as the xiphisternum.
• There are 12 pairs of ribs in total.
• The first seven ribs that attach directly to the sternum are called true ribs.
• Ribs 11 and 12 are classified as 'Floating Ribs'.
• The anatomical term for the two ends of a rib is the costal cartilage and the vertebral end.
• The main function of the bony thorax is to protect the heart and lungs.

Sternum

• The sternum is approximately 15-17 cm long.
• The manubrium articulates with the clavicle.
• The most superior aspect of the sternum is called the manubrium.
• The most inferior aspect of the sternum is called the xiphoid process.
• The manubrium attaches to 3-4 costal cartilages.

Anatomical Structures

• The jugular notch is also known as the suprasternal notch.
• The bony thorax does not include the hyoid bone.
• The shape of the manubrium is trapezoid.

Radiographic Positions

• The recommended position of the patient for Oblique Rib positions is 30-40° rotated.
• The upper ribs should be visible in Oblique Rib positions.
• The Source-to-Image Distance for RAO Sternum position is 102 cm.
• The purpose of the RAO Sternum projection is to visualize the sternum.
• The top of the image receptor should be placed at the level of the xiphoid process for RAO Sternum position.

Patient Positioning

• The patient should be positioned upright for the Lateral Projection of the Sternum.
• The central ray should be aimed at the midpoint of the sternum for the Lateral Projection of the Sternum.
• The recommended SID for Lateral Projection of the Sternum is 102 cm.
• The patient should be shielded with a lead apron during rib and sternum x-rays.

Radiographic Projections

• The PA Sternoclavicular (SC) Joints projection is used to visualize the sternoclavicular joints.
• The central ray of the X-ray beam should be aimed at the midpoint of the SC joints for the PA Sternoclavicular (SC) Joints projection.
• The top of the Image receptor should be positioned at the level of the SC joints for AP or PA Unilateral Upper Ribs.
• The central ray (CR) should enter at the level of the 3rd rib for AP or PA Unilateral Upper Ribs.
• The structures seen in AP Unilateral Upper Ribs include the upper ribs and SC joints.
• AP or PA Lower Ribs is also known as a Rib Survey.
• The recommended exposure for the PA Sternoclavicular (SC) Joints projection is 60-70 kV, 10-15 mAs.
• The structures visible in the PA Sternoclavicular (SC) Joints projection include the SC joints and the medial ends of the clavicles.
• There should be no rotation in a bilateral exam of the PA Sternoclavicular (SC) Joints projection.
• Up to 5° of rotation is allowed in a unilateral exam of the PA Sternoclavicular (SC) Joints projection.
• The patient should be positioned obliquely for the PA Oblique Sternoclavicular (SC) Joints projection.
• The central ray of the X-ray beam should enter at the level of the SC joints for the PA Oblique Sternoclavicular (SC) Joints projection.
• The patient's arms should be positioned at their sides for the PA Oblique Sternoclavicular (SC) Joints projection.
• The image is always of the affected side in the PA Oblique Sternoclavicular (SC) Joints projection.