| Term | Definition |
|---|
| angle of Louis | an angle formed at the junction of the manubrium and the body of the sternum. |
| anterior axillary line (AAL) | a vertical line along anterior axillary fold |
| costal angle | The costal angle is the angle beneath the the sternum. It is created by the costal cartilage that joins what are called the false ribs, the ones that do not directly attach to the sternum via their own cartilage, but attach directly and indirectly to the cartilage of the 7th rib. This angle is created because these false ribs get shorter as they go down. Since they are connected by the descending costal cartilage which travels laterally and inferiorly from the sternum, it creates the angle known as the costal angle. |
| costal margin | The costal margin, sometimes referred to as the costal arch, is the medial margin formed by the false ribs -- specifically, from the seventh rib to the tenth rib. |
| inferior angle of scapula | the last angle (point) of scapula |
| intercostal space (ICS) | the space in between the ribs |
| manubrium | the upper segment of the sternum. |
| midaxillary line (MAL) | a vertical line at midpoint between anterior and posterior axillary line |
| midclavicular line (MCL) | a vertical line from the middle of the clavicle |
| midsternal line (MSL) | a vertical line down the middle of the sternum |
| posterior axillary line (PAL) | a line along post axillary fold |
| scapular line | inferior angle of the scapula |
| suprasternal notch | also known as the Jugular Notch – is the central indention of the superior border of the manubirum. |
| vertebra prominens | Because the spinous process is visible through the skin, C7 (the 7th cervical vertebrae) can be used as a landmark for counting the vertebrae |
| xiphoid process | forms the inferior end of the sternum. It articulates only with the sternal body and serves as an attachment point for some abdominal muscles. |
| barrel chest | is a term used to describe the rounded, barrel shape of the chest that can occur in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) |
| kyphosis | an exaggeration or angulation of the posterior curve of the thoracic spine, giving rise to condition known as humpback, hunchback, or Potts Curvature. |
| lordosis | Abnormal anterior convexity of the lumbar spine. |
| pectus carinatum | A protrusion of the chest over the sternum. |
| pectus excavatum | a congenital deformity of the sternum which is depressed into the chest resulting in a "caved in" or "sunken in" appearance |
| rachitic rosary | the tip of the rib bones can enlarge creating a string of lumps (bow legs) |
| scoliosis | a lateral curvature of the spine |
| adventitious sounds | abnormal lung sounds heard when listening to the chest as the person breathes. These may be wheezing, crackles (rales), or stridor |
| apnea | temporary cessation of breathing, therefore, of the body's intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide. |
| asthma | A lung disease in which tightening of the air passages can provoke wheezing and difficulty breathing. |
| atelectasis | a collapsed or airless condition of the lungs |
| bronchiectasis | a chronic dilation of a bronchus or bronchi, usually in the lower portions of the lung, caused by the damaging effects of a long standing infection. |
| bronchitis | inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial airways causing a persistent cough that produces considerably quantities of sputum. |
| Cheyne-Stokes | a breathing pattern marked by a period of apnea lasting 10 to 60 seconds, followed by gradually increasing depth and frequency of respirations (hyperventilation) |
| consolidation | the process of becoming solid. Solidification of the lungs is caused by pathological engorgement of the lung tissues as occurs in acute pneumonia. |
| crackle | an adventitious lung sound heard on auscultation of the chest, produced by air passing over retained airway secretions or the sudden opening of collapsed airways. |
| crepitus | a crackling or rattling sound made by a part of the body. |
| diaphragmatic excursion | The movement of the thoracic diaphragm during breathing. Diaphragmatic excursion should be 3-5 cm, but can be increased in well conditioned persons to 7-8 cm. This measures the contraction of the diaphragm. |
| dyspnea | difficulty breathing or pain on breathing. |
| emphysema | causes shortness of breath. Emphysema is called an obstructive lung disease because the destruction of lung tissue around the bronchioles, makes the airways unable to hold their shape properly when you exhale. |
| fremitus | vibratory tremors esp. those felt through the chest wall by palpation; they include vocal or tactile. |
| hyperpnea | an increased respiratory rate or deeper than normal breathing |
| hyperresonance | an increased resonance produced when an area is percussed. |
| hyperventilation | abnormally rapid, deep breathing |
| Kussmaul's breathing | a very deep gasping type of respiration associated with diabetic ketoacidosis. |
| orthopnea | labored breathing that occurs when lying flat and is relieved by sitting down |
| pleural friction rub | low pitched, grating, or creaking sounds that occur when inflamed pleural surfaces rub together during respiration. |
| pneumothorax | collapsed lung caused by accumulation of air or gas in pleural cavity |
| respiratory excursion | Palpated test used to see thoracic expansion while inhaling. Use of accessory muscles on inspiration. ie, COPD |
| resonance | to vibrate with; the state of a system in which an abnormally large vibration is produced in response to an external stimulus. |
| rhoncus/rhonchi | a low pitched wheezing, snoring, or squeaking sound heard during auscultation of the chest of a person with partial airway obstruction. |
| stridor | a high pitched harsh sound occurring during inspiration; a sign of an upper airway obstruction -a life threatening condition. |
| tachypnea | an abnormal rapid respiration |
| wheeze | a continuous musical sound caused by narrowing the lumen of the respiratory passage. |
| bronchial/tracheal | passages smaller than 1 mm in diameter are bronchioles or little bronchi |
| bronchovesicular | pertain to bronchial tubes and alveoli with special reference to sounds intermediate between the bronchial or tracheal sounds and vesicular sounds. |
| vesicular | vesicles or small blisters |
| bronchophony | an abnormal increase in tone or clarity in vocal resonance. |
| egophony | an abnormal change in tone, somewhat like a goat; the pure sound has become louder and more nasal in quality. |
| whispered pectoriloquy | test performed during a medical physical examination to evaluate for the presence of consolidation in the lungs, which could be caused by cancer or pneumonia.; often ask the patient to whisper "ninety-nine" while listening over the lung fields: the sound will be louder in areas where consolidation is present. |
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