Surface Anatomy of the Thorax

Surface anatomy studies the body's superficial features and their relation to deeper structures.
Key thoracic contents include the heart, lungs, trachea, and esophagus, all enclosed by the ribcage formed by the first ten ribs.

12 thoracic vertebrae each correspond with a rib.
Esophagus runs posteriorly, while the trachea, which bifurcates for air delivery, lies anterior.
The heart is located anterior to the trachea, flanked by the lungs, surrounded by pleural membranes.

Anterior ribcage includes costal cartilages that articulate with the sternum, composed of three parts: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
Clavicle links the manubrium to the scapula, while the coracoid process projects anteriorly from the scapula.

Locate the jugular notch at the top of the rib cage and feel for aortic pulsations.
Move laterally to palpate the clavicle and the coracoid process beneath it.
Sternal angle is the joint between the manubrium and sternum body; a key landmark for anatomical reference.

The second costal cartilage indicates the location of the second rib, with intercostal spaces palpable below.
Costal margin is demarcated by the tenth rib, costal cartilages, and the xiphoid process.

Palpate the deltoid and pectoralis major; the latter slightly obscured in women by breast tissue.
The linear alba is a key indentation running vertically along the abdominal muscles.
Rectus abdominis appears as vertical muscular segments known as the "six-pack."

The sternocleidomastoid runs from the neck to the manubrium; palpate it on either side for identification.

Trachea palpable between sternocleidomastoid muscles; tracheal rings also felt until engulfed by the sternum at the jugular notch.
Lung apex is 2-3 cm above the clavicle; bases are around the sixth or seventh intercostal space.
Left lung's oblique fissure runs along the seventh rib; right lung's fissure follows the sixth intercostal space.

The heart is centrally positioned in the thorax, extended into the left thoracic area primarily by the left and right ventricles.
The apex of the heart is palpated at the left fifth intercostal space.
Valve auscultation points:
- Aortic valve: second intercostal space near the sternum.
- Pulmonary valve: same horizontal plane as aortic, but left side; locate around the third intercostal space.
- Tricuspid valve: palpate three intercostal spaces down from the aortic valve position.
- Mitral valve: located in the fifth intercostal space, lateral to the midpoint of the clavicle.

Use "A Place To Meet" to remember the order of aortic, pulmonary, tricuspid, and mitral valves.

Surface anatomy examines superficial body features and their connection to deeper structures.
Thoracic cavity contains crucial organs such as the heart, lungs, trachea, and esophagus.
The ribcage is formed by the first ten ribs, providing a protective enclosure.

Comprises 12 thoracic vertebrae, each matching a rib.
The esophagus is situated posteriorly, while the trachea, bifurcating for air transport, is found anteriorly.
The heart is located anterior to the trachea, positioned between the lungs and enveloped by pleural membranes.

The anterior ribcage features costal cartilages that connect to the sternum, which consists of three sections: the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
The clavicle connects the manubrium to the scapula, with the coracoid process extending anteriorly from the scapula.

Identify the jugular notch atop the rib cage to feel aortic pulsations.
Palpate laterally to locate the clavicle and surrounding coracoid process.
The sternal angle marks the junction of the manubrium and sternum body, serving as an important anatomical landmark.

The second costal cartilage signals the position of the second rib, with palpable intercostal spaces beneath it.
The costal margin is defined by the tenth rib, costal cartilages, and xiphoid process.

Palpate visibly the deltoid and pectoralis major muscles, the latter partially obscured by breast tissue in women.
The linear alba is a prominent vertical tendon along the abdominal muscles.
Rectus abdominis is identified as vertical muscle segments, commonly referred to as the "six-pack."

The sternocleidomastoid muscle runs from the neck to the manubrium, easily palpated on both sides.

The trachea can be palpated between the sternocleidomastoid muscles, with tracheal rings discernible until obscured by the sternum at the jugular notch.
The lung apex reaches 2-3 cm above the clavicle, while the bases are around the sixth or seventh intercostal space.
The left lung's oblique fissure aligns with the seventh rib; the right lung's fissure corresponds to the sixth intercostal space.

Centrally located in the thorax, the heart extends into the left thoracic area due to the left and right ventricles.
The apex of the heart is palpated at the left fifth intercostal space.
Valve auscultation points include:
- Aortic valve: located at the second intercostal space near the sternum.
- Pulmonary valve: in the same plane as the aortic but on the left, around the third intercostal space.
- Tricuspid valve: three intercostal spaces below the aortic valve position.
- Mitral valve: situated in the fifth intercostal space, lateral to the clavicle midpoint.