The upper portion of the lung extending above the clavicle is known as the _____.

The term that refers to the upper portion of the lung extending above the clavicle is "apices." The apices of the lungs are located at the very top of each lung and are important in assessing lung health, particularly in physical examinations and imaging studies. Understanding the anatomy of the lungs, including the apices, is crucial for radiologic technologists as it informs the interpretation of chest images and helps in identifying any abnormalities or diseases that may affect lung regions, including the upper areas.

The other terms have distinct meanings and anatomical references. The base of the lung refers to the lower part that sits on the diaphragm, fissures are the grooves that separate the lobes of the lungs, and lobules are smaller divisions within each lobe of the lung. Each of these terms conveys different aspects of lung anatomy, illustrating why the word "apices" specifically denotes the region above the clavicle.