This lecture provides a concise, image-guided review of the major airway and lung anatomy as visualized on CT and PET/CT. The discussion begins at the trachea—its origin, typical length and diameter—and proceeds through the carina to the right and left main bronchi, detailing their segmental branching patterns. Characteristic anatomic markers such as the “whale sign” are highlighted to support reliable orientation on axial and coronal images. The session then transitions to a structured overview of lobar and segmental anatomy in both lungs, including fissural landmarks and distinctions between right- and left-sided branching. The lecture concludes with essential principles of physiologic FDG uptake in the lung parenchyma and red flags for abnormal diffuse activity.

Learning Objectives

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

• Identify the trachea, carina, and main bronchi and recognize key anatomic signs used for airway orientation on cross-sectional imaging.
• Distinguish right- and left-sided lobar and segmental bronchial anatomy, including characteristic divisions and fissural landmarks.
• Describe the branching hierarchy of upper, middle, and lower lobe bronchi on the right and the corresponding segments on the left.
• Recognize normal physiologic FDG uptake in the lung parenchyma and define thresholds suggestive of underlying pathology.
• Apply airway and parenchymal anatomy to more accurately interpret PET/CT examinations of thoracic disease.