Thorax functions are for:
Breathing = lungs + diaphragm + thoracic walls + ribs
Protection of vital organs = thoracic walls
Conduit = mediastinum
Layers of Thoracic Wall
Skin
Fascia
Superficial + Intercostal muscles
Endothoracic fascia
Pleura + pleural sac
Skeletal Framework
Thorax
Borders:
Superior = thoracic inlet
Inferior = thoracic outlet
Anterior = sternum + costal
cartilage
Posterior = vertebral column
Lateral = Ribs + muscles
Sternum
Thoracic Walls 1
, Manubrium
Clavicular Notch (Articular site
for clavicle)
Articular site for the I rib
Jugular notch or suprasternal
notch
Sternal Angle
Important landmark for
palpations
Articulation with the 2nd costal
cartilage
Tracheal bifurcation
The horizontal plane through
this angle passes through the
site where the superior vena
cava enter the heart
The plane also seperates
the mediastinum into
inferior + superior
Where the aortic arch starts
and ends
Body
Articular site for 2nd-7th costal
cartilage
Xyphoid process
Variable in shape, can be wide,
thin, bifid, curved, pointed…
Ribs
12 pairs of ribs
True ribs: 1-7
Thoracic Walls 2