Thorax Structure and Bony Components

Thorax Structure

• The thorax is the upper chest region, located between the neck and abdomen.
• It is a bony cage that protects the organs in the chest cavity, including the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels.

Bony Components

• The thorax consists of:
  • Sternum (breastbone): a long, flat bone located in the center of the chest.
  • Ribs (12 pairs): curved bones that attach to the sternum and vertebrae.
  • Thoracic vertebrae (12): the middle section of the spine, which forms the back of the thorax.

Muscles

• The thorax is surrounded by several muscles, including:
  • Intercostal muscles: located between the ribs, these muscles help expand and contract the chest cavity during breathing.
  • Pectoral muscles: located on the front of the chest, these muscles help move the arms and shoulders.
  • Serratus anterior muscles: located on the sides of the chest, these muscles help rotate the scapula and move the arm.

Organs

• The thorax contains several vital organs, including:
  • Heart: a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
  • Lungs: two air-filled organs that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide through breathing.
  • Major blood vessels: including the aorta, pulmonary arteries, and veins.

Functions

• The thorax plays a crucial role in:
  • Respiration: the process of breathing, which involves the expansion and contraction of the chest cavity.
  • Circulation: the heart pumps blood throughout the body, which is protected by the thorax.
  • Protection: the thorax provides a protective cage for the vital organs in the chest cavity.

Thorax Structure

• The thorax is the upper chest region, located between the neck and abdomen.

Bony Components

• The thorax consists of a sternum (breastbone), 12 pairs of ribs, and 12 thoracic vertebrae.

Bones of the Thorax

• The sternum is a long, flat bone located in the center of the chest.
• Ribs are curved bones that attach to the sternum and vertebrae.
• Thoracic vertebrae form the back of the thorax.

Muscles of the Thorax

• Intercostal muscles are located between the ribs and help expand and contract the chest cavity during breathing.
• Pectoral muscles are located on the front of the chest and help move the arms and shoulders.
• Serratus anterior muscles are located on the sides of the chest and help rotate the scapula and move the arm.

Organs of the Thorax

• The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
• Lungs are two air-filled organs that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide through breathing.
• Major blood vessels in the thorax include the aorta, pulmonary arteries, and veins.

Functions of the Thorax

• The thorax enables respiration through the expansion and contraction of the chest cavity.
• The thorax facilitates circulation by protecting the heart and allowing it to pump blood throughout the body.
• The thorax provides a protective cage for the vital organs in the chest cavity.

Learn about the thorax, a bony cage that protects organs in the chest cavity, including its bony components like the sternum, ribs, and thoracic vertebrae.