Thoracic Wall and Cavity Anatomy
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary muscle that needs to be cut when the skin is already removed to access the thoracic cavity?

  • Pectoralis major
  • Diaphragm
  • Intercostal muscles (correct)
  • Sternocleidomastoid

Which approach is most appropriate for viewing the heart during a thoracotomy?

  • Midline incision (correct)
  • Paramedian incision
  • Transverse incision
  • Lateral incision

Which structure separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity?

  • Thoracic cage
  • Diaphragm (correct)
  • Intercostal muscles
  • Sternum

What is the primary purpose of thoracostomy?

<p>To drain air or fluid from the pleural space (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would you decide to perform a thoracentesis?

<p>When fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity is present (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the suprasternal notch located?

<p>At the superior margin of the manubrium sterni (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The scapular line is described as running:

<p>Vertically downward on the posterior thorax (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the parasternal line?

<p>Midway between the midsternal and mammary lines (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which thoracic structure is opposite the intervertebral disc between the 4th and 5th thoracic vertebra?

<p>Sternal angle (Angle of Louis) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The paravertebral line corresponds to which anatomical feature?

<p>The tips of the vertebral transverse processes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of bone are the ribs classified as?

<p>Flat bone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ribs are classified as vertebral ribs?

<p>Ribs 11-12 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of cutting through the costal cartilages during a thoracotomy?

<p>It enables upward lifting of the sternum. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure is most likely to be seen first during a midsternotomy?

<p>Heart (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What muscles are primarily involved in forming the thoracic cage?

<p>Intercostals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which specific method is used to access the mediastinum during chest surgery?

<p>Median sternotomy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would be the consequence of lifting the anterior part of the rib cage superiorly during a thoracotomy?

<p>It could sever blood vessels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of costal cartilage?

<p>To support the rib cage and allow flexibility. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Midsternal Line correspond to in relation to the thoracic cage?

<p>It lies in the median plane over the sternum. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which line runs vertically downward from the midpoint of the clavicle?

<p>Midclavicular Line (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary path of the Anterior Axillary Line?

<p>It runs vertically downward from the anterior axillary fold. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which line is located the furthest laterally in relation to the axillary folds?

<p>Posterior Axillary Line (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the Midaxillary Line on the thoracic cage?

<p>It runs vertically downward from the midpoint of the axilla. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which line would NOT be useful when orienting yourself in the thoracic cavity?

<p>Horizontal Abdominal Line (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In dissection, which line should the dissection avoid entering when dissecting the chest?

<p>Diaphragm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following lines indicates a central orientation over the sternum?

<p>Midsternal Line (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure does not pierce the diaphragm?

<p>Superior vena cava (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the accumulation of air within the pleural cavity?

<p>Pneumothorax (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the neurovascular bundle located relative to the ribs?

<p>Posteroinferior (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gauge cannula is represented by the color pink?

<p>20G (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does thoracentesis primarily involve?

<p>Insertion of a needle to evacuate fluid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes thoracostomy?

<p>A long-term procedure to evacuate contents of the thoracic cavity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method used for locating dull sounds during percussion?

<p>Finger percussion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is associated with anterior axillary landmarks?

<p>Pectoralis major (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of submerging one end of the drainage bottle in fluid during chest tube drainage?

<p>To prevent pneumothorax (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gauge cannula is typically used as the smallest for chest tubes?

<p>Pink – 20G (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after evacuating a small amount of fluid to prevent rebound hemothorax?

<p>Close the system after a maximum of 200 cc (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a 3-way stopcock in chest tube drainage?

<p>To regulate the outflow of fluids (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which size of chest tube would be most appropriate for evacuating air?

<p>Small tube (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition occurs due to the rapid dilation of blood vessels in the chest during fluid evacuation?

<p>Rebound hemothorax (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is correct about chest tubes and drainage bottles?

<p>One end should be submerged, and the other above the fluid line (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum amount of fluid recommended for evacuation at one time?

<p>200 cc (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Thoracostomy

The process of making an incision into the chest to access the internal structures.

Thoracentesis

A procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall.

Pleural Effusion

An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall.

Hemothorax

A condition where blood accumulates in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall.

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Pneumothorax

A condition where air accumulates in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall.

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Scapular Line

A line drawn vertically on the posterior chest, passing through the inferior angle of the scapula when the arms are at the sides.

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Suprasternal Notch

A landmark on the anterior chest wall, located at the superior margin of the manubrium sterni. It corresponds to the lower border of the 2nd thoracic vertebra.

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Sternal Angle (Angle of Louis)

A landmark on the anterior chest wall, formed by the angle between the manubrium and the body of the sternum. It corresponds to the intervertebral disc between the 4th and 5th thoracic vertebrae.

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Paravertebral Line

A line drawn vertically on the posterior chest wall, along the tips of the vertebral transverse processes.

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Parasternal Line

A line drawn vertically on the anterior chest wall, midway between the midsternal line and the mammary lines.

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Midsternal Line

An imaginary line that runs down the middle of the sternum (breastbone).

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Midclavicular Line

An imaginary line that runs vertically down from the middle of the clavicle (collarbone).

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Anterior Axillary Line

An imaginary line that runs vertically down from the anterior axillary fold (front armpit).

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Posterior Axillary Line

An imaginary line that runs vertically down from the posterior axillary fold (back armpit).

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Midaxillary Line

An imaginary line that runs vertically down from the middle of the armpit.

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Chest Wall

The skin covering the chest area.

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Thoracic Cavity

The space inside the chest cavity.

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Thoracic Cage

The bones and muscles surrounding the chest cavity.

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Sternum

The sternum is the long, flat bone that forms the middle of the chest. It is attached to the ribs by costal cartilages, which are made of flexible hyaline cartilage. The sternum is essential for protecting the organs within the thoracic cavity, particularly the heart. It also plays a role in breathing by providing a stable structure for the ribs to attach to.

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Ribs

The ribs are long, curved bones that form the chest cage. They are arranged in 12 pairs, with each pair attached to a vertebra in the spine. Ribs 1 through 7 are directly attached to the sternum, ribs 8 through 10 are connected to the cartilage of the ribs above, and ribs 11 and 12 are floating ribs. These bones and their associated cartilage provide a strong structure for the chest and protect internal organs.

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Angle of the Rib

The angle of the rib is the thin, weakest part of the rib structure. This point is located where the rib bends most sharply and is the part most susceptible to fractures or damage.

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Costal Cartilage

Hyaline cartilage is a type of flexible, smooth cartilage found in many parts of the body, including the costal cartilages that connect the ribs to the sternum. Hyaline cartilage helps create a smooth surface for joint movement and provides support and flexibility to these structures.

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Mediastinum

The mediastinum is the space within the chest cavity that contains the heart, major blood vessels, the trachea, esophagus, and thymus gland. This central compartment is critical for the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

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Midsternotomy

Midsternotomy, a surgical procedure, involves making a midline incision through the sternum to access the heart and mediastinum. It is commonly performed for heart surgery.

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Intercostal Muscles

Intercostal muscles are a group of muscles located between the ribs. They play a critical role in breathing, helping with inspiration (inhalation) and expiration (exhalation). There are three sets: external intercostals, internal intercostals, and innermost intercostals, each contributing to the complex mechanics of respiration.

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Pectoralis Major

The most superficial muscle of the chest, responsible for pushing, pulling, and rotating the arm.

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Manubrium

The topmost part of the sternum, located above the sternal angle.

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Body of the Sternum

The bottom part of the sternum, located below the sternal angle.

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Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis

A procedure used to remove fluid from the pleural space using ultrasound guidance.

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3-way stopcock

A device used to regulate fluid draining from the chest during thoracentesis.

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Rebound hemothorax

A condition where the blood vessels in the chest dilate rapidly due to quick fluid evacuation, leading to further blood accumulation.

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Chest tube

A tube inserted into the chest cavity to drain fluid or air.

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Chest tube drainage bottle positioning

The drainage bottle should be positioned so the end connected to the chest tube is below the fluid level and the other end is above the fluid level.

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Choosing the appropriate chest tube size

The size of the chest tube should be matched to the volume of fluid or air being drained.

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Study Notes

Thoracic Wall and Cavity Anatomy

  • Thoracic Cage: Composed of the sternum, ribs, and thoracic vertebrae. It's a flat bone structure.
  • Ribs: Twelve pairs; 1-7 are true ribs (directly connected to the sternum), 8-10 are false ribs (connected to the sternum via cartilage), and 11-12 are floating ribs (unconnected to the sternum). Ribs 1-7 articulate directly with the sternum via costal cartilage. Ribs 8-10 attach to the sternum via cartilage of the 7th rib. Ribs 11 and 12 are vertebral ribs (they don't attach to the sternum).
  • Sternum: A flat bone located in the center of the chest, composed of the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
  • Thoracic Cavity: The space enclosed by the thoracic wall; contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, and major blood vessels.
  • Diaphragm: A dome-shaped muscle separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
  • Thoracic Vertebrae: 12 vertebrae in the thoracic region, possessing costal facets that articulate with ribs.
  • Intercostal Muscles: Three layers (external, internal, innermost) of muscles between the ribs that aid in respiration.
  • Subcostals, Transversus Thoracis: Additional accessory muscles of the thoracic wall playing a role in respiration.
  • Pectoralis Major/Minor, Serratus Anterior, Scalene Muscles: Muscles that act on the thoracic area but are not strictly intercostal. Crucial for chest motions.
  • Surface Landmarks: Key anatomical reference points on the chest wall such as the suprasternal notch, sternal angle (Angle of Louis), midclavicular line, anterior axillary line and so forth are crucial for procedures.

How to Open the Chest

  • Incision Location: The sternum can be cut along the midsternal line to access the mediastinum. Lateral approach requires cutting through costal cartilages.
  • Lifting the Sternum: Lifting the sternum upward is a safe method for opening the thoracic cavity.
  • Rib Fracture: To visualize structures in the thoracic cavity, breaking the ribs (incising) is essential, but cutting the angle of the rib is preferred as it's the weakest part.

Thoracostomy vs. Thoracentesis

  • Thoracentesis: A procedure using a needle to remove fluid from the pleural cavity. It's for smaller volumes of fluid.
  • Thoracostomy: A surgical procedure involving inserting a chest tube to drain fluid or air from the pleural cavity. More invasive and suitable for larger volumes.

Pleural Effusion, Hemothorax, Pneumothorax

  • Pleural Effusion: Accumulation of serous fluid in the pleural cavity.
  • Hemothorax: Accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity.
  • Pneumothorax: Accumulation of air in the pleural cavity.

Thoracic Cavity Structures

  • Heart: Enclosed in the pericardium (pericardial sac) within the thoracic cavity.
  • Lungs: Located in the right and left pleural cavities.
  • Thymus: Located between the lungs, playing a role in the immune system in younger years.

Anatomical Landmarks of the Chest Wall

  • Lines and Angles: Important reference points for surgeons and clinicians to guide procedures like insertion for chest tubes and thoracenteses.
  • Thoracentesis: Inserting a needle to remove fluid from the pleural sac.
  • Thoracostomy: Inserting a chest tube for drainage of fluid or air.

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Description

Explore the intricate structures of the thoracic wall and cavity in this quiz. Discover the components such as the ribs, sternum, and diaphragm, and learn how they interact within the thoracic cavity. Test your knowledge on the classifications of ribs and the thoracic vertebrae anatomy.

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