Cross-Sectional Anatomy Flashcards

On an axial CT image at the level of the carina, which structure lies immediately posterior to the ascending aorta?

Answer: Right pulmonary artery

The right pulmonary artery passes posterior to the ascending aorta at the level of the carina.

Which of the following best describes the CT appearance of the caudate lobe of the liver?

Answer: A small segment located between the IVC and the fissure for the ligamentum venosum

The caudate lobe (segment I) lies between the IVC posteriorly and the fissure for the ligamentum venosum anteriorly.

On axial CT of the pelvis, the obturator internus muscle is best identified by its location:

Answer: Lining the lateral wall of the true pelvis adjacent to the obturator foramen

The obturator internus lines the lateral wall of the true pelvis, arising from the inner surface of the obturator foramen.

Which pancreatic landmark on CT imaging marks the junction between the head and body of the pancreas?

Answer: The superior mesenteric vein crossing the pancreas

The superior mesenteric vein crosses the anterior surface of the pancreas at the junction of the head and body.

On axial CT at the level of L4-L5, which structure is found anterior to the vertebral body?

Answer: Abdominal aortic bifurcation

The abdominal aorta bifurcates into the common iliac arteries at approximately the L4 vertebral level.

On a CT image at the level of C6, which structure occupies the anterior midline of the neck?

Answer: Thyroid gland

The thyroid gland wraps anteriorly around the trachea at the C5-C6 level, occupying the anterior midline.

On axial CT of the chest, the right and left main bronchi are best distinguished because:

Answer: The right main bronchus is shorter and more vertical, making aspiration more likely

The right main bronchus is shorter, wider, and more vertical, which is why aspirated foreign bodies most commonly lodge on the right side.