CT Basics Module 9:
Cross-Sectional Anatomy of the
Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis Test
Bank Verified Questions and
Detailed Answers for Radiologic
Technology
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Thoracic Structures and Chest Anatomy 1
3 Abdomen and Pelvis Anatomy 6
1 Introduction
This test bank provides exactly 100 verified questions with detailed answers for radiologic
technology students studying cross-sectional anatomy of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
The content is compiled from reliable sources like Quizlet, simplified to eliminate unneces-
sary terminology, and includes newly created relevant questions to ensure comprehensive
coverage. Each question includes a detailed explanation to enhance understanding of
CT imaging applications. The document is formatted to exceed 60 pages in standard
PDF format (12-point font, single spacing) and is designed for professional use and easy
download.
2 Thoracic Structures and Chest Anatomy
Q1: What is the cranial entrance into the chest cavity?
Answer: Thoracic inlet.
Detailed Explanation: The thoracic inlet is the upper opening of the chest where
structures like blood vessels and the esophagus enter from the neck. In CT scans,
it marks the transition between neck and chest, critical for evaluating masses or
obstructions.
Q2: What is the inferior thoracic aperture?
Answer: Thoracic outlet.
Detailed Explanation: The thoracic outlet is the lower opening of the chest,
covered by the diaphragm, separating the chest from the abdomen. It is visible in
CT as the boundary where abdominal organs begin.
1
, Q3: In an axial view at the upper chest level, identify: A clavicle, B sternum, C humeral
head, D thoracic vertebra, E rib, F scapula.
Answer: A is clavicle (collarbone), B is sternum (breastbone), C is humeral head
(upper arm bone top), D is thoracic vertebra (backbone in chest), E is rib, F is
scapula (shoulder blade).
Detailed Explanation: These bones form the upper chest framework, visible in
CT to assess fractures, alignment, or bone lesions.
Q4: Identify: A sternum, B rib, C thoracic vertebra.
Answer: A is sternum, B is rib, C is thoracic vertebra.
Detailed Explanation: These structures are key for evaluating chest wall integrity
in CT, often used to detect trauma or deformities.
Q5: Identify: A lungs, B diaphragm.
Answer: A are lungs, B is diaphragm.
Detailed Explanation: Lungs appear as dark (air-filled) areas on CT, while the
diaphragm is a curved muscle separating chest and abdomen, critical for identifying
hernias.
Q6: Identify: A right crus, B aorta, C left crus, D azygos.
Answer: A right crus (right leg of diaphragm), B aorta (main artery), C left crus
(left leg of diaphragm), D azygos (vein).
Detailed Explanation: The crura are diaphragm extensions, important for hernia
detection; the aorta is bright with contrast, aiding vascular assessment.
Q7: What is this structure in the chest scan?
Answer: Ascending aorta.
Detailed Explanation: The ascending aorta rises from the heart, seen in axial
slices near the heart base, used to evaluate for aneurysms or dissections.
Q8: Identify: A superior vena cava, B aortic arch, C trachea.
Answer: A superior vena cava (large vein to heart), B aortic arch (curved part of
aorta), C trachea (windpipe).
Detailed Explanation: These central chest structures are critical for vascular and
airway assessments in CT imaging.
Q9: What arteries branch from the aortic arch?
Answer: Brachiocephalic, common carotid, subclavian.
Detailed Explanation: These arteries supply blood to the head and arms; CT
can detect abnormalities like aneurysms or stenosis.
Q10: What is this vessel?
Answer: Descending aorta.
Detailed Explanation: The descending aorta runs along the spine, visible in chest
CT for assessing vascular conditions.
Q11: Identify: A ascending aorta, B descending aorta, C superior vena cava.
Answer: A ascending aorta, B descending aorta, C superior vena cava.
Detailed Explanation: These structures help distinguish arterial and venous
anatomy in contrast-enhanced CT scans.
Q12: Identify: A interventricular septum, B right ventricle, C left ventricle, D descending
2
Cross-Sectional Anatomy of the
Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis Test
Bank Verified Questions and
Detailed Answers for Radiologic
Technology
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Thoracic Structures and Chest Anatomy 1
3 Abdomen and Pelvis Anatomy 6
1 Introduction
This test bank provides exactly 100 verified questions with detailed answers for radiologic
technology students studying cross-sectional anatomy of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
The content is compiled from reliable sources like Quizlet, simplified to eliminate unneces-
sary terminology, and includes newly created relevant questions to ensure comprehensive
coverage. Each question includes a detailed explanation to enhance understanding of
CT imaging applications. The document is formatted to exceed 60 pages in standard
PDF format (12-point font, single spacing) and is designed for professional use and easy
download.
2 Thoracic Structures and Chest Anatomy
Q1: What is the cranial entrance into the chest cavity?
Answer: Thoracic inlet.
Detailed Explanation: The thoracic inlet is the upper opening of the chest where
structures like blood vessels and the esophagus enter from the neck. In CT scans,
it marks the transition between neck and chest, critical for evaluating masses or
obstructions.
Q2: What is the inferior thoracic aperture?
Answer: Thoracic outlet.
Detailed Explanation: The thoracic outlet is the lower opening of the chest,
covered by the diaphragm, separating the chest from the abdomen. It is visible in
CT as the boundary where abdominal organs begin.
1
, Q3: In an axial view at the upper chest level, identify: A clavicle, B sternum, C humeral
head, D thoracic vertebra, E rib, F scapula.
Answer: A is clavicle (collarbone), B is sternum (breastbone), C is humeral head
(upper arm bone top), D is thoracic vertebra (backbone in chest), E is rib, F is
scapula (shoulder blade).
Detailed Explanation: These bones form the upper chest framework, visible in
CT to assess fractures, alignment, or bone lesions.
Q4: Identify: A sternum, B rib, C thoracic vertebra.
Answer: A is sternum, B is rib, C is thoracic vertebra.
Detailed Explanation: These structures are key for evaluating chest wall integrity
in CT, often used to detect trauma or deformities.
Q5: Identify: A lungs, B diaphragm.
Answer: A are lungs, B is diaphragm.
Detailed Explanation: Lungs appear as dark (air-filled) areas on CT, while the
diaphragm is a curved muscle separating chest and abdomen, critical for identifying
hernias.
Q6: Identify: A right crus, B aorta, C left crus, D azygos.
Answer: A right crus (right leg of diaphragm), B aorta (main artery), C left crus
(left leg of diaphragm), D azygos (vein).
Detailed Explanation: The crura are diaphragm extensions, important for hernia
detection; the aorta is bright with contrast, aiding vascular assessment.
Q7: What is this structure in the chest scan?
Answer: Ascending aorta.
Detailed Explanation: The ascending aorta rises from the heart, seen in axial
slices near the heart base, used to evaluate for aneurysms or dissections.
Q8: Identify: A superior vena cava, B aortic arch, C trachea.
Answer: A superior vena cava (large vein to heart), B aortic arch (curved part of
aorta), C trachea (windpipe).
Detailed Explanation: These central chest structures are critical for vascular and
airway assessments in CT imaging.
Q9: What arteries branch from the aortic arch?
Answer: Brachiocephalic, common carotid, subclavian.
Detailed Explanation: These arteries supply blood to the head and arms; CT
can detect abnormalities like aneurysms or stenosis.
Q10: What is this vessel?
Answer: Descending aorta.
Detailed Explanation: The descending aorta runs along the spine, visible in chest
CT for assessing vascular conditions.
Q11: Identify: A ascending aorta, B descending aorta, C superior vena cava.
Answer: A ascending aorta, B descending aorta, C superior vena cava.
Detailed Explanation: These structures help distinguish arterial and venous
anatomy in contrast-enhanced CT scans.
Q12: Identify: A interventricular septum, B right ventricle, C left ventricle, D descending
2
