On a standard PA chest X-ray, the right heart border is formed by which structures from top to bottom?

• A Ascending aorta, right ventricle, right atrium
• B Superior vena cava, ascending aorta, right ventricle
• C Right ventricle alone throughout the right heart border
• D Superior vena cava, right atrium, inferior vena cava ✓

Explanation

On PA chest X-ray the right heart border (from superior to inferior) is formed by the superior vena cava (upper third), the right atrium (middle and lower portions), and a small segment of the inferior vena cava inferiorly. The ascending aorta and right ventricle are midline/anterior structures and do not contribute to the right border in a true PA projection. The left border is formed by the aortic knuckle, pulmonary trunk, left atrial appendage, and left ventricle.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.