National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

Which anatomical structure is best visualized using a lateral thoracic view?

1. Spinal cord

2. Hahn venous groove

3. Intervertebral disc

4. Costovertebral joints

The correct answer is: Hahn venous groove

The Hahn venous groove is a structure located primarily in the thoracic vertebrae, and its visualization is significantly enhanced in the lateral thoracic view. This specific radiographic projection allows for an unobstructed view of the thoracic spine, capturing the positioning and contours of the vertebrae, which includes the anatomical grooves and foramina associated with venous structures. When examining the lateral view, the separation between vertebrae and the orientation of various spinal elements becomes clearer, allowing for the identification of the Hahn venous groove that runs along the posterior aspect of the vertebral body. This is particularly important for evaluating conditions related to venous drainage in the thoracic spine. Other structures, while they may be partially visualized in a lateral view, do not have the same clarity or utility in this specific projection. The spinal cord, for example, is generally assessed through other imaging methods, such as MRI, rather than plain radiography where it's not directly seen. Additionally, while intervertebral discs and costovertebral joints may each have visible components in certain views, they do not provide the optimal visualization of the specific structures that the lateral thoracic view is capable of highlighting, particularly the venous groove.