Thoracic Anatomy Quiz

The superior opening of the thoracic cavity, connecting it to the neck. It's shaped like a kidney and measures about 10-12.5 cm wide and 5 cm front to back.

The front boundary of the thoracic inlet is the upper edge of the manubrium sterni (breastbone).

The back boundary of the thoracic inlet is the upper surface of the first thoracic vertebra (back bone).

The sides of the thoracic inlet are formed by the first rib on each side, together with its cartilage.

A membrane that partially separates the chest from the neck, covering each half of the thoracic inlet. It acts like a stabilizer for the neck during breathing.

The windpipe; carries air to and from the lungs.

The tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

The topmost portion of the lungs, extending into the neck.

A gland located in the chest that plays a role in immune system development, particularly in children.

The thorax, also known as the thoracic cage, is a bony and cartilaginous structure that protects the heart and lungs.

The costal cartilages are flexible attachments between the ribs and the sternum, allowing for chest expansion during breathing.

The ribs form the sides of the thorax and are numbered from 1 to 12, with the lowest rib being the 12th. The scapula (shoulder blade) overlaps ribs 2-7 on the back.

The thoracic vertebrae are bones that make up the spine's thoracic region. They are located in the middle of the back.

The sternum, also known as the breastbone, forms the front part of the thorax. It is made of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process.

The nipple is a landmark on the chest, typically located in the fourth intercostal space in men.

The apex beat is a visible and palpable pulse caused by the heart's contraction. It is typically located in the left fifth intercostal space.

The trachea is a tube that carries air to and from the lungs. It can be felt in the suprasternal notch, located between the clavicles.

The posterior wall of the thoracic cage is made up of 12 thoracic vertebrae interconnected by intervertebral discs.

The 12 ribs and their associated cartilages create the lateral walls of the thoracic cage.

The upper seven ribs connect directly to the sternum via costal cartilages, forming the "true ribs."

The eighth, ninth, and tenth ribs attach indirectly to the sternum by connecting to the cartilage of the superior rib, forming "false ribs."

The last two ribs, the eleventh and twelfth, do not articulate with the sternum, hence the term "floating ribs."

The costal cartilages of the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth ribs create a sloping edge at the lower margin of the thoracic cage.

The articulations of the thoracic cage - costovertebral, costotransverse, manubrio-sternal, and chondrosternal joints - enable breathing movements.

The anterior ends of ribs 11 and 12 are free-floating and are also known as floating or vertebral ribs.

A rib that attaches to the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), found in about 0.5% of people.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that supplies the arm. When a cervical rib is present, it can put pressure on this plexus.

A condition where the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart, narrows.

When the aorta is narrowed, blood flow to the body is restricted. The body compensates by increasing the size of the intercostal arteries, which normally supply the spaces between the ribs.

The enlarged intercostal arteries can leave small indentations, or notches, on the ribs.

A condition where the subclavian artery and the first thoracic nerve are compressed as they pass between the first rib and the clavicle.

The inferior aperture is the opening at the bottom of the rib cage that connects the chest cavity to the abdomen.

The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. It plays a vital role in breathing.

A large opening in the diaphragm that allows the inferior vena cava, right phrenic nerve, and lymph vessels of the liver to pass through.

A large opening in the diaphragm that allows the esophagus, both vagal trunks, and left gastric vessels to pass through.

A large opening in the diaphragm that allows the aorta, thoracic duct, and azygos vein to pass through.

A smaller opening in the diaphragm that allows the superior epigastric artery to pass through.

The diaphragm contracts and flattens, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and facilitating inhalation.

The diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, reducing the volume of the thoracic cavity and facilitating exhalation.

Structures passing through the vena cava opening dilate with each contraction of the diaphragm.

Structures traversing the esophageal opening constrict with each contraction of the diaphragm.

The chest is a truncated cone, narrow at the top and broad at the bottom. The diaphragm separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.

In infants, the ribs are horizontal and their respiration is driven by the diaphragm (abdominal breathing). In adults, the ribs are oblique, allowing for both abdominal and thoracic breathing.

The diaphragm descends during inspiration, increasing the vertical diameter of the thoracic cage, allowing for more air intake.

Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm while the glottis is closed, making a characteristic sound.

The angle of the rib is its weakest point, where fractures are most common in adults.

Rib fractures are less common in children due to the highly elastic nature of their chest walls.

The upper two ribs are protected by the clavicle, and the lower two ribs are more free to move, which makes the middle ribs most susceptible to injury.

The anteroposterior diameter of the chest is greater than the transverse diameter in quadrupeds. However, in infants, the thorax is circular, while in adults, it is oval with a greater transverse diameter.

The uppermost part of the chest, located right above the superior border of the manubrium, between the clavicles. It marks the beginning of the trachea.

A prominent bony ridge on the sternum, approximately 5 cm below the suprasternal notch, marking the junction between the manubrium and the body of the sternum. It's crucial for counting ribs.

The point where the xiphoid process connects with the body of the sternum. It marks the lower end of the sternum and the junction of the costal margins.

The bony structure that protects the chest cavity, formed by the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae. It supports the rib cage.

The space enclosed by the thoracic cage, containing vital organs like the lungs and heart.

The central structure of the chest, made of three parts: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process. It is responsible for protecting the heart.

The curved bones that form the sides of the chest, attached to the vertebrae in the back and the sternum in the front. They help protect vital organs and allow breathing.