American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

Which structure is located at the level of the T4-T5 vertebral bodies?

1. The apex of the lungs

2. The sternal notch

3. The costal margin

4. The occipital lobe

The correct answer is: The sternal notch

The correct answer highlights an important anatomical landmark: the sternal notch, which is indeed situated at the level of the T4-T5 vertebral bodies. This notch, also known as the jugular notch, is the visible indentation at the superior border of the sternum and serves as a key reference point in both clinical practices and anatomical studies. Understanding the significance of the sternal notch is crucial for various medical examinations, including those related to chest assessment and the identification of lung and heart structures. The T4-T5 level is particularly relevant in identifying structures that lie in proximity to the mediastinum, making the sternal notch a crucial anatomical landmark for healthcare professionals. Other structures mentioned do not correlate with the T4-T5 level in the same way: for instance, the apex of the lungs is located higher up, roughly at the level of the first rib, and the costal margin pertains to the lower boundaries of the ribcage. Meanwhile, the occipital lobe is part of the brain located in the skull and has no anatomical relationship with the thoracic spine.