CH 3 Thoracic Anatomy, Respiratory System, and Radiographic
Landmarks: Lungs, Alveoli, Bronchi, Bronchioles, Pleura, Diaphragm,
Mediastinum Structures, Great Vessels, Thymus, Trachea, Esophagus,
Aorta, Vena Cavae; Pulmonary Pathologies Including Pneumonia,
Tuberculosis, COPD, Emphysema, Aspiration, Atelectasis,
Pneumothorax, Pulmonary Edema, Occupational Lung Diseases; Body
Habitus Variations, Thoracic Diameters, Respiratory Movements, Apex
and Base of Lungs, Fissures, Hilum, Carina, Jugular Notch, Xiphoid
Process; Radiographic Imaging Landmarks, AP/PA Chest Projections,
Central Ray Alignment, and Clinical Considerations for Optimal
Visualization Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+
Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
ALVEOLI
500-700 million air sacs at the end of bronchioles where oxygen and carbon dioxide are
exchanged in blood through the thin alveoli walls.
ANTERIOR BONY THORAX
Provides a protective framework for the parts of the chest involved with breathing and blood
circulation
ANTEROPOSTERIOR DIAMETER
,Increased during inspiration by the raising of the ribs especially the second through sixth ribs
ANTHRACOSIS
Black lung caused by deposits of coal dust from long term inhalation which spreads through the
lungs
AORTA
Largest artery. Divided into three parts which pass through the diaphragm and abdomen and
becomes the abdominal aorta
APEX
Rounded upper area of the lungs above the level of the clavicles extending to the T1 level of the
neck. Critical landmark for chest imaging.
ASBESTOSIS
Inhalation of asbestos dust resulting in pulmonary fibrosis
ASCENDING AORTA
Part of the Aorta that comes Up out of the heart
ASPIRATION
, Foreign objects or particles swallowed and aspirated into the air passages of the bronchial tree
ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA
Caused by aspiration of an object or food into the lungs which irritates the bronchi resulting in
edema
ASTHENIC
Extremely slender, light build, with a narrow, shallow thorax, and the gallbladder and stomach
situated low in the abdomen.
ATELECTASIS
Collapse of all or part of a lung as the result of an obstruction of the bronchus or puncture an air
passageway
BODY HABITUS
the physical characteristics of an individual and include such considerations as physique, general
bearing, and body build
BRONCHIECTASIS
Dilation or widening of bronchi or bronchioles due to repeated infection or obstruction
Landmarks: Lungs, Alveoli, Bronchi, Bronchioles, Pleura, Diaphragm,
Mediastinum Structures, Great Vessels, Thymus, Trachea, Esophagus,
Aorta, Vena Cavae; Pulmonary Pathologies Including Pneumonia,
Tuberculosis, COPD, Emphysema, Aspiration, Atelectasis,
Pneumothorax, Pulmonary Edema, Occupational Lung Diseases; Body
Habitus Variations, Thoracic Diameters, Respiratory Movements, Apex
and Base of Lungs, Fissures, Hilum, Carina, Jugular Notch, Xiphoid
Process; Radiographic Imaging Landmarks, AP/PA Chest Projections,
Central Ray Alignment, and Clinical Considerations for Optimal
Visualization Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+
Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
ALVEOLI
500-700 million air sacs at the end of bronchioles where oxygen and carbon dioxide are
exchanged in blood through the thin alveoli walls.
ANTERIOR BONY THORAX
Provides a protective framework for the parts of the chest involved with breathing and blood
circulation
ANTEROPOSTERIOR DIAMETER
,Increased during inspiration by the raising of the ribs especially the second through sixth ribs
ANTHRACOSIS
Black lung caused by deposits of coal dust from long term inhalation which spreads through the
lungs
AORTA
Largest artery. Divided into three parts which pass through the diaphragm and abdomen and
becomes the abdominal aorta
APEX
Rounded upper area of the lungs above the level of the clavicles extending to the T1 level of the
neck. Critical landmark for chest imaging.
ASBESTOSIS
Inhalation of asbestos dust resulting in pulmonary fibrosis
ASCENDING AORTA
Part of the Aorta that comes Up out of the heart
ASPIRATION
, Foreign objects or particles swallowed and aspirated into the air passages of the bronchial tree
ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA
Caused by aspiration of an object or food into the lungs which irritates the bronchi resulting in
edema
ASTHENIC
Extremely slender, light build, with a narrow, shallow thorax, and the gallbladder and stomach
situated low in the abdomen.
ATELECTASIS
Collapse of all or part of a lung as the result of an obstruction of the bronchus or puncture an air
passageway
BODY HABITUS
the physical characteristics of an individual and include such considerations as physique, general
bearing, and body build
BRONCHIECTASIS
Dilation or widening of bronchi or bronchioles due to repeated infection or obstruction
