Anatomy & Physiology for Nuclear Medicine Flashcards

During a parathyroid scan with Tc-99m sestamibi, a parathyroid adenoma is most commonly found in which anatomical location?

Answer: Inferior parathyroid glands (near inferior thyroid poles)

Parathyroid adenomas most commonly arise from the inferior parathyroid glands located near the inferior thyroid poles, where persistent sestamibi uptake differentiates them from thyroid tissue.

A gastric emptying study uses a radiolabeled solid meal. Which part of the stomach is primarily responsible for trituration and propulsion of solids toward the pylorus?

Answer: Antrum

The antrum grinds solid food into small particles (trituration) and propels them through the pylorus; antral dysfunction leads to delayed gastric emptying.

In a sentinel lymph node mapping procedure for breast cancer, the primary lymph node basin targeted is located in which anatomical region?

Answer: Axilla

Breast lymphatics drain predominantly to the axillary lymph nodes, which are the primary sentinel node basin mapped in breast cancer procedures.

Which anatomical structure separates the right and left lobes of the liver and is used as a landmark in hepatic imaging?

Answer: Falciform ligament

The falciform ligament is the key anatomical landmark separating the right and left hepatic lobes and is visible as a photopenic line on liver-spleen scans.

In brain perfusion SPECT imaging, which anatomical structure shows characteristically low perfusion in Alzheimer's disease on a Tc-99m HMPAO scan?

Answer: Temporoparietal cortex

Alzheimer's disease classically shows bilateral temporoparietal hypoperfusion on brain SPECT, reflecting the distribution of neurofibrillary tangle pathology.

During a Meckel's diverticulum scan, ectopic gastric mucosa accumulates Tc-99m pertechnetate. Meckel's diverticulum is located in which bowel segment?

Answer: Ileum (within 2 feet of ileocecal valve)

Meckel's diverticulum is a remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct located within 2 feet (60 cm) of the ileocecal valve in the ileum.

Which bony landmark serves as the inferior boundary of the anterior pelvic ring and is frequently identified on pelvic bone scans?

Answer: Pubic symphysis

The pubic symphysis is the fibrocartilaginous joint at the inferior midline of the anterior pelvic ring and is a common site of stress reaction or infection seen on bone scans.