Anatomy of the Bony Thorax

The bony thorax is composed of the sternum, thoracic vertebrae, and 12 pairs of ribs.

The sternum is a flat bone with three parts: manubrium (upper), body (middle), and xiphoid process (lower).

Ribs are categorized as true (1-7), false (8-10), and floating (11-12) based on their connection to the sternum.

Ribs 1-7 directly attach to the sternum via costocartilage.

Ribs 8-10 indirectly connect to the sternum via costocartilage of rib 7; ribs 11-12 have no connection to the sternum.

The jugular notch is an indentation at the top of the sternum, roughly at the level of T2-T3 vertebrae.

The sternal angle (manubriosternal joint) is at the level of the intervertebral disk between T4 and T5.

The xiphoid process is the inferior tip of the sternum, located around T9-T10 vertebrae.

The inferior costal margin (inferior rib angle) is located at the level of L2-L3.

PA projection for viewing the sternoclavicular joints, requiring specific technique factors.

The joint where the clavicle meets the sternum.

An imaginary vertical plane that divides the body into left and right halves.

The most prominent bony projection in the neck—easily palpable.

The act of inhaling air into the lungs.

The act of exhaling air from the lungs.

A device used in radiography to reduce scatter radiation and improve image contrast.

Source to Image Distance; the distance between the x-ray tube and the image receptor.

Central Ray in radiography, the x-ray beam's central axis.

Kilovoltage Peak, the peak voltage during the x-ray exposure.

A radiographic position in which the patient is positioned on their side with X-ray beam angled from the front.

A radiographic position in which the patient is positioned on their side with X-ray beam angled from the back.