In this article, you will learn the unique sound characteristics of normal breath sounds such as bronchial, vesicular, and bronchovesicular. In addition, you will be able to identify the location of these breath sounds within the respiratory system.
In the previous reviews, I discussed abnormal breath sounds and how to auscultate the lungs that includes the landmark points and auscultation sites.
Once you are done reviewing this material, don’t forget to take the lung sounds quiz that includes your ability to audibly identify normal and abnormal breath sounds.
Normal Breath Sounds
Audio of Normal Lung Sounds
Bronchial:
Found where? auscultated over anterior chest and heard over tracheal area
Characteristics:
- sound will have a high pitch and be loud
- inspiration will be slightly SHORTER than expiration
Bronchovesicular:
Found where? auscultated anteriorly and posteriorly and heard over the bronchi
- anteriorly: 1st and 2nd intercostal space near the sternum
- posteriorly: between the scapulae
Characteristics:
- sound will have a medium pitch
- inspiration and expiration will be EQUAL
Vesicular:
Found where? auscultated anteriorly and posteriorly and heard over peripheral lung fields
Characteristics:
- sound will be soft with a low pitch
- inspiration will be slightly GREATER than expiration
More Lung Sound Reviews