CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

The sternal angle corresponds to which vertebral level?

1. T2 - T3

2. T4 - T5

3. T6 - T7

4. T8 - T9

The correct answer is: T4 - T5

The sternal angle, also known as the angle of Louis, is an important anatomical landmark located at the junction where the manubrium meets the body of the sternum. This angle corresponds to the level of the T4-T5 vertebrae. Identifying the sternal angle is clinically significant, as it serves as a reference point for various medical procedures and anatomical orientation. It is a crucial landmark for locating other structures in the thoracic cavity, including the bifurcation of the trachea into the right and left bronchi, which occurs at this vertebral level. Moreover, it is often used in the determination of rib levels for counting ribs and performing thoracentesis. Understanding this relationship helps radiographers and healthcare professionals accurately interpret imaging studies, as well as navigate the thoracic anatomy in clinical practice, thereby emphasizing the relevance of the T4-T5 vertebral level in this context.