Auscultation of Breath Sounds: Locations & Significance

Question 1

Second intercostal space, midclavicular line

Answer 1

sounds heard here represent airflow through the larger conducting airways.
Ex. stridor & rhonchi

Question 2

Third intercostal space, anterior axillary line

Fourth intercostal space, maxillary line

Answer 2

sounds heard here represent airflow through smaller conducting airways (bronchioles).
Ex. wheezing

Question 3

Fifth or sixth intercostal space, posterior midscapular line

Answer 3

Best location to hear alveolar airflow.

Ex. Crackles (rales)