The Ultimate Thorax and Chest Anatomy Quiz

Thoracic Cavity

• The heart occupies the majority of the thoracic cavity.
• The main function of the heart in the thoracic cavity is to pump blood throughout the body.

Respiratory System

• The trachea is responsible for conducting air to and from the lungs in the thoracic cavity.

Circulatory System

• The esophagus is responsible for the passage of nutrients from the head to the abdomen in the thoracic cavity.

Thoracic Cage

• The main purpose of the domed shape of the thoracic cage is to provide protection for the heart and lungs.
• The main function of the joints and thinness of the ribs in the thoracic cage is to allow for flexibility and expansion during breathing.

Ribs

• True ribs are connected to the sternum through their own costal cartilages.
• False ribs have cartilages that are connected to the cartilage of the rib above them.
• Floating ribs do not connect, even indirectly, with the sternum.
• Ribs 7-10 are considered as false ribs.
• The head of the rib articulates with the corresponding transverse process of the vertebra.
• The neck of the rib functions as a pivot point, allowing the rib to move up and down during breathing.
• The costal groove is located on the underside of the rib.
• The 7th rib is the broadest and most sharply curved.
• The 5th rib has a rough area on its upper surface called the tuberosity for serratus anterior.
• Ribs 3-6 have only one facet on the heads and articulate with a single vertebra.
• Ribs 3-6 are classified as typical ribs.
• Ribs 7-10 form a continuous, articulated, cartilaginous costal margin with the costal cartilages just superior to them.

Intercostal Spaces

• There are 11 intercostal spaces in total.
• The true ribs anchor the anterior end of the rib to the sternum, limiting its overall movement.
• The 4th intercostal space lies between ribs 4 and 5.
• The subcostal space below the 12th rib is associated with the 12th thoracic nerve.