Normal thoracic CT in axial slice

Normal thoracic CT in axial slice

Normal thoracic CT in axial slice

  • Antoine MICHEAU, MD , Denis HOA, MD
    • Antoine MICHEAU, MD : 2 Allée Charles Darwin, 34170 Castelnau-le-lez
    • Denis HOA, MD : 2 Allée Charles Darwin, 34170 Castelnau-le-lez
  • Publication date: Aug 8, 2008 | Last update: Mar 18, 2025
  • https://doi.org/10.37019/e-anatomy/178 ISSN 2534-5079

We created an anatomy atlas of the chest and the mediastinum which is an interactive tool for studying the cross-sectional anatomy of the normal thorax based on an enhanced multidetector computed tomography with helical angiography of the thorax (axial plane). Anatomical structures are visible as interactive labeled images.

 

Anatomy atlas - Cross-sectional anatomy : Thorax, Lungs, Mediastinum
Anatomy atlas - Cross-sectional anatomy : Thorax, Lungs, Mediastinum

 

Cross sectional anatomy: CT of the thorax

  • A CT was performed on a healthy subject, with an axial enhanced acquisition with different windows: parenchyma and mediastinum.
  • Data and DICOM images stocked on our PACS (Picture Archiving and Communicating System) were processed and exported as JPEG images.
  • Adobe Animate and Adobe Photoshop allowed us to develop an atlas-based application with suitable functionality and user-friendly interface to explore the thorax anatomy.
  • Anatomical structures were based on the Terminologia Anatomica.

 

Anatomy atlas - Cross-sectional anatomy : Thorax, Lungs, Mediastinum
Anatomy atlas - Cross-sectional anatomy : Thorax, Lungs, Mediastinum

 

Anatomy of the chest: how to view the anatomical labels

This atlas is a comprehensive and affordable learning tool for medical students and residents and especially for radiologists and pneumologists.
It provides access to CT images in the axial plane, allowing the user to learn and review the lung anatomy interactively. Anatomical structures are labeled, providing an invaluable teaching resource. User progress may be evaluated with the quiz mode.
The horizontal menu gives access to several groups of anatomical structures:

 

Bronchopulmonary segments - Thorax (CT) : Superior lobe; Upper lobe Lingula of left lung Middle lobe of right lung Inferior lobe; Lower lobe Oblique fissure Horizontal fissure of right lung
Bronchopulmonary segments - Thorax (CT) : Superior lobe; Upper lobe Lingula of left lung Middle lobe of right lung Inferior lobe; Lower lobe Oblique fissure Horizontal fissure of right lung

 

 

  • Pulmonary arteries
  • Pulmonary veins
  • Segmental bronchi
  • Arteries of the mediastinum
  • Veins of the mediastinum
  • Muscles and layers of the thoracic cavity.
  • Bones of the thorax
  • Nerves

 

As the cursor is moved over an anatomical area of the lung parenchyma, the segment is highlighted and labeled: this tool was chosen to show segmental lung anatomy (international and Ikeda).

The vertical menu on the left shows graphics of the bronchi, with anatomical schemas based on a three dimensional (3D) model (based on a volume rendering extracted from CT). It also provides a graphic of the regional lymph nodes of the thorax.

 

Anatomy atlas - Cross-sectional anatomy : Thorax, Lungs, Mediastinum
Anatomy atlas
Anatomy atlas - Cross-sectional anatomy : Thorax, Lungs, Mediastinum
Anatomy atlas
Bronchopulmonary segments - Thorax (CT) : Superior lobe; Upper lobe Lingula of left lung Middle lobe of right lung Inferior lobe; Lower lobe Oblique fissure Horizontal fissure of right lung
Bronchopulmonary segments

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