What are bronchovesicular breath sounds?

• A. Heard in the peripheral lung fields; inspiration is louder than expiration.
• B. Not audible
• C. Heard in the upper sternum; inspiration is equal to expiration.
• D. Heard in the trachea; inspiration is quieter than expiration.

Answer: (C)

Bronchovesicular breath sounds reflect central airway airflow with a balanced timing of inhalation and exhalation. They’re best heard over the major bronchi, so you’ll typically find them near the upper sternum anteriorly and between the scapulae posteriorly. A hallmark is a 1:1 inspiratory to expiratory ratio with a moderate pitch—longer, softer vesicular sounds occur peripherally, while the harsh bronchial sounds over the trachea have a different quality and timing. Therefore, the description of an equal inspiratory and expiratory phase heard near the upper sternum matches bronchovesicular breath sounds.