ANAT Overview of the Thoracic Cage & Spaces

Question 1

Anatomical structures located at sternal angle/bifurcation of the trachea

Answer 1

RATPLANT:Rib (2nd),Aortic arch,Trachea birfurcation,Pulmonary trunk bifurcation,Left recurrent laryngeal (andLigamentum arteriosum),Azygos vein,Nerves – cardiac plexus,Thoracic duct.

Question 2

True Ribs

Answer 2

1-7
Articular via costal cartilages w sternum.

Question 3

False Ribs

Answer 3

8-10
Articulate via costal arches.

Question 4

Floating Ribs

Answer 4

11-12
Ribs slope downwards on posterior aspect of rib cage.

Question 5

Function of external and internal intercostal muscles during respiration.

Answer 5

External intercostal muscles – elevate the ribs during forced inspiration.
Internal intercostal muscles – depress the ribs during forced expiration & elevate ribs laterally.

Question 6

Arrangement of external and internal intercostal muscles during respiration.

Answer 6

External - ‘hands in pockets’
Internal - ‘hands on chest’

Question 7

Function of transverse thoracic muscles during respiration.

Answer 7

Accessory muscles in respiration which have important function when bent over.

Question 8

Supply of posterior and anterior intercostal arteries

Answer 8

Posterior intercostal artery - thoracic aorta.
Anterior intercostal artery - internal thoracic artery.

Question 9

Which artery is most commonly used for an arterial graft?

Answer 9

Internal thoracic artery.