This lecture provides a structured overview of chest and thoracic wall anatomy as it applies to PET/CT interpretation. The discussion clarifies regional subdivisions of the anterior and posterior chest wall, defines axillary nodal levels in relation to the pectoralis musculature, and highlights the appearance and variability of intramammary and subscapular lymph nodes. The session concludes with practical guidance on expected physiologic FDG uptake patterns in breast tissue, including circumstances that may transiently elevate uptake in women.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

• Identify key anatomical divisions of the anterior and posterior chest wall relevant to PET/CT reporting.
• Distinguish axillary nodal levels (I–III) based on their relationship to the pectoralis minor muscle.
• Recognize the typical location and variability of intramammary and subscapular lymph nodes.
• Describe normal physiologic FDG uptake patterns in breast tissue and factors that increase uptake.
• Apply this anatomic knowledge to improve accuracy in evaluating chest wall and breast findings on PET/CT.