When imaging from the suprasternal notch, which structure is typically the first to be seen?

When imaging from the suprasternal notch, the aortic arch is typically the first structure to be visualized. This is because the aortic arch is positioned just behind the manubrium of the sternum and is relatively close to the surface, making it accessible to imaging techniques focused in this area.

As the imaging proceeds from the suprasternal notch, the aortic arch comes into view before other structures such as the pulmonary artery or the inferior vena cava. The aorta, while also visible at this angle, is not the first structure encountered because it originates directly from the heart and the ascending aorta typically requires a different angle to visualize clearly. In contrast, the pulmonary artery and inferior vena cava are located further down or towards the back relative to the aortic arch and would appear after the arch in a typical imaging sequence. This anatomical positioning is critical for understanding the orientation and sequencing of thoracic structures in imaging.