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Apex of right lung

The apex of the right lung is the superior-most portion of the right lung, projecting into the root of the neck above the level of the first rib. It is covered by the cervical pleura and reinforced by the suprapleural membrane. Owing to its anatomical relationships with major neurovascular structures at the thoracic inlet, the lung apex is an important region in thoracic anatomy and imaging.

Synonyms

  • Apical segment of the right lung

Location

  • Superior-most part of the right lung

  • Projects above the medial third of the clavicle

  • Extends approximately 2–3 cm above the first rib

  • Occupies the thoracic inlet

  • Covered by cervical pleura and suprapleural membrane (Sibson fascia)

Anatomical components

  • Apical lung parenchyma

  • Cervical pleura (cupula)

  • Suprapleural membrane

  • Apical segment of the right upper lobe (S1)

Relations

Anteriorly:

  • Clavicle

  • Subclavian vein

Posteriorly:

  • Neck of the first rib

  • Sympathetic chain

Medially:

  • Trachea

  • Esophagus

  • Right brachiocephalic artery (proximal)

Laterally:

  • First rib

  • Scalene muscles

Superiorly:

  • Lower neck soft tissues

Inferiorly:

  • Right upper lobe proper

X-ray appearance

Chest radiograph (PA view):

  • Right lung apex: Lucent aerated lung extending above the clavicle

  • Pleural cap: Thin soft-tissue density at the extreme apex may be seen

  • Symmetry: Normally symmetric or slightly higher on the right

  • Bony landmarks: Clavicle and first rib outline the apical region

CT appearance

Lung window:

  • Apical parenchyma: Well-aerated lung with normal bronchovascular markings

  • Pleura: Thin curvilinear pleural margin at the apex

  • Thoracic inlet structures: Clearly delineated relationship with first rib and clavicle

  • Apical pleural thickening: May be visible as a thin soft-tissue line

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Lung parenchyma: Low signal intensity due to air content

  • Pleura and chest wall: Intermediate signal allowing boundary definition

  • Fat planes (neck and chest wall): High signal

T2-weighted images:

  • Lung parenchyma: Very low signal intensity

  • Pleura: Thin low-signal line

  • Adjacent soft tissues: Higher signal than lung

STIR:

  • Lung apex: Markedly low signal from aerated lung

  • Chest wall and pleura: High signal suppression of fat enhances contrast

CT image

Apex of right lung CT anatomy image -img-00000-00000

X-Ray image

Apex of right lung X ray anatomy image -img-00000-00000