Thoracic Walls

Thoracic Walls
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