Cross-Sectional Anatomy Flashcards

On axial CT of the abdomen, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is typically located:

Answer: Directly anterior to the abdominal aorta, surrounded by fat

The SMA arises from the anterior aorta and is typically seen as a vessel surrounded by a halo of mesenteric fat on axial CT.

Which structure forms the posterior boundary of the adrenal glands on axial CT images?

Answer: Diaphragmatic crura

The diaphragmatic crura form the posterior border of the adrenal glands, which lie in the perirenal space.

On a coronal CT reconstruction, the right hemidiaphragm is typically higher than the left because:

Answer: The liver occupies the right upper quadrant and elevates the right hemidiaphragm

The mass of the liver beneath the right hemidiaphragm elevates it approximately half a rib space higher than the left.

On axial brain CT, the internal capsule is bounded medially by which structure?

Answer: Caudate nucleus

The anterior limb of the internal capsule is bounded medially by the head of the caudate nucleus.

Which of the following correctly identifies the position of the common bile duct on axial CT?

Answer: Anterior and to the right of the portal vein in the hepatoduodenal ligament

In the hepatoduodenal ligament, the common bile duct lies anteriorly and to the right of the portal vein, with the hepatic artery to the left.

At the level of the aortic arch on axial CT, which vessel arises first (most rightward/anterior) from the arch?

Answer: Brachiocephalic (innominate) artery

The brachiocephalic artery is the first and most rightward branch of the aortic arch, followed by the left common carotid and left subclavian.

On axial CT of the pelvis in a female patient, the uterus is characteristically located:

Answer: Posterior to the urinary bladder and anterior to the rectum

The uterus lies between the urinary bladder anteriorly and the rectum posteriorly in the true pelvis.