Final answer:
To view the hilum of the lung, one should look at the mediastinal surface facing the midline of the body. This structure, which is visible on medical imaging like X-rays, serves as the entry and exit point for blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerves, and bronchi to the lungs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The position to view the hilum of the lung is via the mediastinal surface, which faces the midline of the body. The hilum is a concave structure on the mediastinal surface of the lungs where important structures such as blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerves, and a bronchus enter the lung. When looking at an anteroposterior radiograph or an X-ray of the thoracic cavity, the hilum can be observed as the entry and exit point for these structures. For instance, an X-ray might show the hilum through which the pulmonary vessels and bronchi pass. This is essential in medical imaging and helps in diagnosing various conditions.
In contrast, the cardiac notch is a depression of the mediastinal surface of the inferior lobe of the left lung that accommodates the apex of the heart. Moreover, the lungs are vital organs of the respiratory system and feature a pyramid shape that is more pronounced at the apex and tapers down toward the base, which rests on the diaphragm. The right lung is typically broader and shorter due to the liver's position beneath it, whereas the left lung is smaller to allow space for the heart.