What are the costophrenic angles?

The costophrenic angles refer specifically to the angles formed by the diaphragm as it meets the rib cage, particularly at the junction of the diaphragm and the ribs in the lower thoracic cavity. These angles are important anatomical landmarks, especially in radiology, as they can indicate the presence of fluid accumulation (pleural effusion) when fluid collects in the pleural space, which may obscure or alter the normal appearance of the costophrenic angle on chest X-rays.

The term "costophrenic" itself combines "costo," referring to the ribs, and "phrenic," which refers to the diaphragm. Understanding the costophrenic angles is crucial for medical professionals, including medical scribes, as it helps in the assessment of lung health and the identification of pathologies related to pleural spaces.