What percussion note is typically heard over normal lung tissue?

• A. Hyperresonance
• B. Dullness
• C. Resonance with low pitches and a clear hollow sound
• D. Flatness

Answer: (C)

Normal lung tissue is air-filled, so tapping the chest produces a resonant sound that is low-pitched and hollow. This resonance indicates air in the lungs allowing sound to travel and reflect within the thoracic cavity. If the lungs are hyperinflated or a space is filled with extra air, the sound becomes hyperresonant—booming. If fluid or solid tissue is present, the sound turns dull. If dense tissue or bone is involved, you’ll hear flatness. So the typical percussion note over normal lung tissue is a resonant, hollow sound with a lower pitch.