Subcutaneous emphysema is most closely associated with which body system injury?

• A. Chest
• B. Abdomen
• C. Pelvis
• D. Brain

Answer: (A)

Subcutaneous emphysema occurs when air escapes from the lungs or airways and gets trapped under the skin, usually spreading through the tissue planes of the chest and neck. This air leak most often stems from chest-related injuries that involve the lungs or major airways, such as pneumothorax or tracheobronchial trauma. Because the source is air leaking from thoracic structures, the condition is best associated with chest injuries rather than abdominal, pelvic, or brain injuries. So, the chest is the correct association.