Boundaries of the Thoracic Cage

Question 1

What is the thorax bounded by superiorly?

Answer 1

Thoracic inlet.

Question 2

What is the thorax bounded by inferiorly?

Answer 2

Thoracic outlet.

Question 3

What is the thorax bounded by anteriorly?

Answer 3

Sternum

Costal cartilages

Question 4

What is the thorax bounded by posteriorly?

Answer 4

Vertebrae T1-T12.

Question 5

What is the thorax bounded by laterally?

Answer 5

Ribs 1-12.

Question 6

What is the thorax bounded by inferiorly?

Answer 6

Diaphragm.

Question 7

What bones form the boundaries of the thoracic inlet superiorly?

Answer 7

First rib
Manubrium
T1 (posteriorly)

Question 8

What ribs/costal cartilages form the costal margin and subcostal angle?

Answer 8

Ribs 7-10.

Question 9

What costal cartilages are directly attached to the sternum?

Answer 9

Ribs 1-7.

Question 10

What costal cartilages are indirectly attached to the sternum?

Answer 10

Ribs 8-10 (through preceding costal cartilage attachments).

Question 11

How do anatomists and clinicians differ in reference to the thoracic inlet?

Answer 11

Clinicians refer to the inlet as outlet as well- therefore thoracic outlet syndrome has a superior cage connotation.