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Questions and Answers
What are the components that make up the thoracic cage?
Ribs, sternum, thoracic vertebrae.
What is the sternal angle?
The angle formed between the manubrium and the body of the sternum.
What are the major functions of the thorax?
Respiration, protection of major organs, and providing attachment for muscles.
Which of the following structures does the thoracic outlet separate from the abdominal cavity?
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How many processes does a thoracic vertebra have?
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Match the following parts of the sternum with their descriptions:
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The thoracic cavity is divided into four compartments.
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What lies at the superior opening of the thoracic inlet?
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Study Notes
The Thorax
- Lies between the neck and abdomen.
- Contains the thoracic cavity which is divided into three compartments.
- The thoracic cavity contains the right and left pulmonary cavities, including the lungs and pleurae, as well as the central mediastinum.
- The mediastinum separates the two pulmonary cavities and contains the heart, the thoracic part of the great vessels, the thoracic part of the trachea, the esophagus, the thymus, and lymph nodes.
- The thoracic wall is made up of bony and muscular tissues.
Thorax Function
- Involved in respiration.
- Protects organs of respiration and circulation.
- Provides attachment and support for the upper limb.
- Anchors the upper limb, abdomen, neck, and back.
Thoracic Inlet (Superior Thoracic Aperture)
- Superior opening into the space surrounded by the ribcage.
- Bounded posteriorly by T1, laterally by the 1st pair of ribs and costal cartilages, and anteriorly by the superior border of the manubrium.
- Contains the trachea, esophagus, nerves, and vessels.
Thoracic Outlet (Inferior Thoracic Aperture)
- Separated from the abdominal cavity by the diaphragm.
- Bounded posteriorly by the 12th thoracic vertebra, posterolaterally by the 11th and 12th pairs of ribs, anterolaterally by costal cartilages of ribs 7 to 10 (forming the costal margins), and anteriorly by the xiphisternal joint.
- Contains the esophagus, inferior vena cava, and aorta.
Skeletal and Cartilaginous Framework
- Rib cage
- Sternum in front
- Ribs at the sides
- Thoracic vertebrae and intervertebral discs posteriorly
- The thoracic vertebrae have:
- Body
- Vertebral arches
- Processes
- The vertebral body is the weight-bearing portion of the vertebra.
- The spinous process is centered posteriorly at the point of the arch.
- The transverse processes extend laterally and posteriorly from the vertebral body.
- The lamina connect the transverse and spinous processes.
- The pedicle connects the vertebral body to the transverse processes.
Thoracic Vertebrae
- Characteristic features:
- Long inferiorly slanting spinous process, palpable and prominent. The tip of the spinous process lies at the level of the body of the vertebra below it.
- Costal facets on the transverse process, articulating with the tubercles of the rib (except for the last 2 or 3 thoracic vertebrae).
- Demifacets on vertebral bodies: Superior costal facets on the upper sides of the body, inferior costal facets on the lower sides of the body (T2-T9).
Sternum
- Flat, elongated bone.
- Consists of three flat bones:
- Manubrium (handle of a sword)
- Lies at the level of the third and fourth thoracic vertebrae.
- Has a jugular notch (Suprasternal).
- Clavicular notches form sternoclavicular joints.
- Body (blade of a sword)
- Lies at the level of the fifth to ninth vertebrae.
- Contains three transverse ridges anteriorly.
- Has facets on its lateral aspect.
- Site for needle biopsy of hematopoietic bone marrow in adults.
- Xiphoid process
- Found in the epigastrum.
- Contains a demifacet for the seventh costal cartilage.
- Manubrium (handle of a sword)
Sternal Angle (Angle of Louis)
- Prominent angle between the manubrium and body where they articulate.
- The angle is less than 180 degrees.
- The manubrium and body lie at an angle to each other.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the structure and function of the thorax, including its compartments, the thoracic inlet, and its role in respiration. This quiz covers the essential components and protective qualities of the thoracic region, as well as its significance in supporting upper limb functions.
