Thoracic Cage Anatomy Quiz

The bony structure that forms the cage-like structure of the chest, protecting the vital organs inside.

The seven ribs that directly attach to the sternum (breastbone) via costal cartilage.

Ribs 8-10, they indirectly attach to the sternum via costal cartilage, but join to the rib above.

Ribs 11-12, they do not attach to the sternum at all, only to the vertebral column.

The point on the sternum where the manubrium (top part) meets the body of the sternum.

Joints that allow for movement, such as between the ribs, costal cartilages, vertebrae, and sternum.

These joints connect bones using hyaline cartilage, such as the connection of the first costal cartilage to the manubrium.

These joints link the costal cartilages to the sternum and allow for rib movement during breathing.

The junction between the manubrium and the body of the sternum.

A secondary cartilaginous joint (symphysis) located between the manubrium and sternal body. It allows for slight angulation and anteroposterior displacement.

A fibrous joint located between the xiphoid process and the sternal body.

The junction between the xiphoid process and the sternal body.

These ribs are long and curved, and they have two articular facets on their heads and a tubercle.

The first rib is short, strong, and highly curved. It has a single facet on its head and grooves for the subclavian vessels.

The second rib is long and has a tubercle for the scalenus posterior muscle.

The eleventh and twelfth ribs are short and do not have tubercles. They only have a single facet on their heads.

A muscle that helps with breathing by elevating the clavicle and manubrium of the sternum, which expands the chest cavity.

Contraction of the muscle on one side of the body causes flexion (bending) of the neck to that side and rotation of the head to the opposite side.

Contraction of the muscle on both sides of the body acts to extend the head and neck.

The superior fibers of the Pectoralis Minor draw the scapula upwards and inwards.

The middle fibers of the Pectoralis Minor pull the scapula towards the spine (medially).

The inferior fibers of the Pectoralis Minor pull the scapula downwards and inwards.

The Pectoralis Minor muscle is supplied by nerves from the cervical plexus, which is a network of nerves in the neck.

The Pectoralis Minor muscle helps to stabilize the scapula (shoulder blade) against the chest wall, crucial for proper arm movement.

The Pectoralis Minor assists with breathing by elevating the ribs, expanding the chest cavity.

The Pectoralis Minor plays a crucial role in the movement of the shoulder girdle, allowing for a wide range of arm motions.

The serratus anterior is a muscle that helps to stabilize the scapula and allows for its protraction and upward rotation. Its innervation is by the long thoracic nerve, which is responsible for its function.

The quadratus lumborum muscle is located in the posterior abdominal wall. It is responsible for various bodily functions, including lateral flexion and extension of the trunk, and supporting the lumbar spine.

The quadratus lumborum originates from the iliac crest and iliolumbar ligament and inserts into the inferior border of rib 12 and the transverse processes of L1-L4 vertebrae.

The serratus anterior is innervated by the Long Thoracic nerve (C5-C7). This nerve is essential for its function and can suffer damage leading to a condition called "winged scapula."

The quadratus lumborum muscle is primarily innervated by the subcostal nerve (T12), as well as the anterior rami of L1-L4 spinal nerves. This nerve input allows for control over the muscle's actions, including lateral flexion and trunk extension.

The serratus anterior muscle is involved in the abduction and upward rotation of the scapula. It also helps to stabilize the scapula against the chest wall, ensuring proper shoulder joint mechanics. These actions are crucial for movements like throwing, pushing, and pulling.

The quadratus lumborum, on one side, aids in lateral flexion of the trunk towards that side. If both sides contract together, it helps fix the 12th rib during inspiration and assists with trunk extension.

The serratus anterior is supplied by the superior and lateral thoracic arteries, as well as branches from the thoracodorsal artery. These arteries are essential for providing blood supply to the muscle, allowing it to function correctly.

The space within the rib cage that houses, protects, and supports the heart, lungs, and other essential organs.

The opening at the top of the thoracic cavity where structures pass from the chest into the neck and upper limb.

A strong layer of fascia that covers the top of the thoracic cavity, preventing the lungs from expanding upwards.

A condition resulting from compression of nerves and/or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet.

A strong, fibrous connective tissue lining that extends throughout the thoracic cavity, providing support and structure.

A large, triangular muscle spanning the upper back, neck, and shoulder, crucial for various movements.

The part of the trapezius muscle that runs from the base of the skull to the clavicle, responsible for head control and shoulder elevation.

The part of the trapezius muscle that spans across the upper back from the neck vertebrae to the scapula, responsible for shoulder rotation and retraction.

The part of the trapezius muscle that runs from the mid-back vertebrae to the scapula, responsible for scapular depression and upward rotation.

A deep neck muscle that helps with neck flexion, rotation, and rib elevation.

The anterior scalene muscle plays a role in neck flexion, lateral flexion, and contralateral rotation.

The middle scalene muscle assists in neck flexion and lateral flexion.

The posterior scalene muscle aids in neck lateral flexion and rib elevation.

Breathing in is an active, but unconscious process involving the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, which contract to expand the chest cavity, decreasing pressure and drawing air into the lungs.

Breathing out is a passive process at rest, involving relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, which decreases the chest cavity volume, increasing pressure and pushing air out of the lungs.

The change in air pressure between the atmosphere and the lungs drives the movement of air during breathing.

The diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle, flattens and moves downwards during inhalation, increasing the chest cavity volume. During exhalation, it relaxes and moves upwards, decreasing the chest cavity volume.

The intercostal muscles, located between the ribs, assist in breathing. External intercostals contract during inhalation, lifting and expanding the rib cage. Internal intercostals contract during forced exhalation, pulling the ribs down and inwards.

During exercise or situations requiring forceful breathing, additional muscles like abdominal muscles and internal intercostal muscles are recruited to increase the force of exhalation.

Bucket handle movement primarily involves the lower ribs (7-10) moving upwards and outwards during inhalation, increasing the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest. Pump handle movement involves the upper ribs (1-6) rotating and moving laterally outwards, increasing the transverse diameter of the chest.

Normal, quiet breathing, also known as tidal breathing, involves a relatively small volume of air movement. Forced breathing, like during exercise, requires a larger volume of air movement and utilizes additional muscles.