Radiography Exam Anatomy and Pathology for Radiographers

Question 1

On a PA chest radiograph, the right heart border is primarily formed by which cardiac structure?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium

Answer

On a PA chest radiograph, the right heart border is formed primarily by the right atrium in its lower portion, with the superior vena cava (SVC) forming the upper right border.

Question 2

Which radiographic sign describes the sharply defined density of a lung consolidation that stops abruptly at a lobar fissure, indicating lobar pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Lobar consolidation with fissure boundary

Answer

Lobar consolidation stopping sharply at an interlobar fissure is the hallmark of lobar pneumonia — the sharp border is created by the fissure acting as an anatomic boundary for the infection.

Question 3

On a lateral lumbar spine radiograph, which structures are identified at the L4-L5 intervertebral disc level?

Accepted Answer

The intervertebral disc space between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebral bodies and the posterior elements

Answer

The lateral lumbar spine radiograph demonstrates the L4-L5 disc space between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebral bodies, surrounded by the vertebral endplates and posterior elements.

Question 4

The 'air bronchogram sign' on a chest radiograph is significant because it indicates:

Accepted Answer

Air-filled bronchi visible within an area of lung consolidation, confirming the consolidation is air-space (alveolar) disease

Answer

Air bronchograms are visible because surrounding alveoli are fluid-filled (consolidated) while bronchi remain air-filled, creating contrast. This confirms alveolar consolidation rather than pleural or atelectatic disease.

Question 5

Increased radiodensity (opacity) seen on a plain film radiograph in a region of bone indicates:

Accepted Answer

Sclerosis — increased bone density that can be seen in osteoblastic metastases, Paget's disease, or healing fractures

Answer

Increased radiodensity (whiteness) in bone represents sclerosis — increased calcium deposition or trabecular thickening — seen in osteoblastic processes like prostate cancer metastases, Paget's disease, and bone healing.

Radiography Exam Practice Test

Radiography Exam Practice Test

Radiography Exam Anatomy and Pathology for Radiographers