Lungs and Pleura

Question 1

What is the nerve supply of the visceral and parietal pleura?

Answer 1

Visceral - vagus nerve and sympathetic fibres - pulmonary plexus insensitive to pain stimuli
Parietal - Intercostal nerve - mediastinal and diaphragmatic - phrenic nerve

Question 2

Describe PA standard x-ray technique

Answer 2

X-ray film anterior and source posterior to anterior - more accurately measure heart size

Question 3

Describe AP x-ray technique

Answer 3

X-ray film posterior, x-ray source anterior to posterior

Question 4

When do x-rays need to be taken AP?

Answer 4

Lungs, bony thoracic cavity mediastinum and greater vessels

Question 5

Describe a tension pneumothorax

Answer 5

Allows air into the lungs but not out, air accumulates and compresses the lungs, increasing intra thoracic pressure and decreasing venous return to the heart