Anatomy: the thorax Flashcards
What is the thoracic skeleton?
osteocartilaginous
12 pairs of ribs and costal cartilages, 12 thoracic vertebrae and intervertebral discs, the sternum
related to thoracic cage = scapula and clavicle = pectoral girdle
What are the key parts of the rib?
Head with articular facets for vertebral body
Neck
Tubercle (with articular facet for transverse process)
Body/shaft
Costal groove
What are false and true ribs?
7 pairs of true ribs (1-7) - connect to spine and articulate directly with sternum
3 pairs of false ribs (8-10) - connect to spine but connect to lowest true rib rather than sternum
2 pairs of floating ribs (11-12) - connected to spine at back but not connected to anything at the front - smallest two ribs, appear to ‘float’
What is the thoracic outlet?
Superior thoracic aperture, forms major transition site between neck, upper limb and thoracic cavity - opening is called the thoracic outlet in clinic
Limitations: anterior aspect of body of T1, medial border of first ribs, jugular notch of manubrium of sternum
What are the limitations of the inferior thoracic aperture?
Body of T12, inferior margin of 12th rib, tips of 11th ribs, costal margins, xiphoid process
What is the costal margin?
The lower edge of the thorax, can be palpated by locating the base of the sternum and moving down and to the side
Formed by joined costal cartilages of ribs 7-10
What are the main differenced between the 3 main vertebrae types?
Cervical: small vertebral body, slender spinous process (often bifid), one vertebral foramen, two transverse foramen, small transverse processes, posterosuperior superior articular process, anteroinferior inferior articular process
Thoracic: larger body, long thick spinous process (most project inferiorly), one vertebral foramen, large transverse processes, posterolateral superior articular process, anteromedial inferior articular process
Lumbar:
