Normal Chest X Ray Color. Basic concepts of radiology and indicators of quality of the chest x ray. Patient is usually standing with anterior chest against the x ray plate.
This tutorial describes the important anatomical structures visible on a chest x ray. Anything that appears dark or black on chest x ray is said to be lucent. Recognizing normal anatomy on the cxr is key to understanding and interpreting abnormalities.
Anything that appears light or white on chest x ray is said to be opaque.
Structures that block radiation appear white and structures that let radiation through appear black. Patient is usually standing with anterior chest against the x ray plate. Type of cxr will have an impact on what is considered normal know which structures should be present or absent. These structures are discussed in a specific order to help you develop your own systematic approach to viewing chest x rays.