The triangle of auscultation is a small gap in the muscles of the upper back near the lower angle of the scapula. It is bounded by trapezius, latissimus dorsi and the medial border of the scapula, with rhomboid major forming its floor in part. With little muscle in the way, breath sounds are heard clearly here.
| Location | Upper back, near the inferior angle of the scapula. |
|---|---|
| Boundaries |
|
A thin area of the posterior chest wall useful for listening to the lungs and for surgical access.
Bending forward and folding the arms moves the scapulae apart and enlarges the triangle, making it easier to listen to the lower lobe of the lung. It is also used as an approach for thoracic paravertebral and rhomboid intercostal blocks and for limited thoracotomy incisions that spare major muscles.
Crackles or bronchial breathing from lower lobe pneumonia are best heard over the triangle of auscultation because little muscle lies between the chest wall and the stethoscope.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
