Surface markings of the lungs

Question 1

Describe the surface markings of the lungs

Answer 1

1) Apex of each lung extends 3cm above medial 1/3 of clavicle.
2) Descends behind the sternoclavicular joint and come together at the angle of louis.
3) At the level of the 4th costal cartilage, on the left the border travels laterally and inferiorly to create the cardiac notch and border travels down to 6th costal cartilage at mid-clavicular line. Then to 8th costal cartilage at the mid axillary lline and 10th posteriorly.
4) The right border travels to 6th mid clavicular, 8th mid axillary and 10th posteriorly.
5) Both borders pass upwards 2cm lateral of the spinous processes to the apex.

Question 2

What are the markings of the oblique fissure?

right and left lung

Answer 2

1) 2cm lateral to spinous process of T3, runs downwards and forwards crossing the mid axillary line at the 5th rib.
2) Reaches the inferior border of the lung at the 6th rib.

Question 3

What are the markings of the horizontal fissure?

right lung

Answer 3

1) Line from 5th rib at mid axillary line.

2) Runs along lower border of 4th rib to medial border of the right lung.