Anatomy · USMLE Step 1

USMLE Anatomy: Cross-Sectional and Radiologic Anatomy

Identifying key structures on axial CT and MRI cross-sections at classic vertebral levels, described in words rather than images.

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At what vertebral level does the trachea bifurcate into the right and left main bronchi?
T4-T5 (the level of the sternal angle)
On an axial CT slice through the sternal angle, which structure lies directly posterior to the trachea?
The esophagus
The azygos vein arches over which structure before draining into the superior vena cava?
The right main bronchus
At which vertebral level does the esophagus pass through the diaphragm?
T10
Which nerve structures pass through the diaphragm alongside the esophagus at T10?
The anterior and posterior vagal trunks
At which vertebral level does the inferior vena cava pass through the diaphragm?
T8
At which vertebral level does the aorta pass through the diaphragm?
T12
Which duct and vein accompany the aorta through the aortic hiatus at T12?
The thoracic duct and the azygos vein
The superior mesenteric artery arises from the aorta at which vertebral level?
L1
What is the vertebral level of the transpyloric plane?
L1
Which part of the stomach lies at the transpyloric plane (L1)?
The pylorus
Which part of the pancreas lies at the transpyloric plane (L1)?
The neck of the pancreas
On axial imaging, is the left kidney normally positioned slightly higher or lower than the right kidney?
Higher
Which large organ causes the right kidney to sit lower than the left kidney?
The liver
On axial CT, the left renal vein crosses anterior to which major vessel on its way to the IVC?
The abdominal aorta

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