General - The thorax Flashcards
Sternum
composed of the manubrium of the sternum, the body of the sternum, and the xiphoid process
Ribs
Twelve pairs, with each rib terminating anteriorly in a costal cartilage
Thoracic vertebrae
Twelve thoracic vertebrae, each characterized by articulations with ribs
Clavicle
Not a part of the thoracic cage, the clavicle forms part of the superior thoracic aperture
Costal cartilages
Contribute to the mobility and elasticity of the thoracic wall, articulating with the sternum and other costal cartilages.
Costovertebral joints
Each rib articulates with the vertebral column at two sites
1) Joint with the head of the rib
2) Costotransverse joints
Joint with the head of the rib
The head of the rib has two articular facets, which articulate with the superior costal facet of its own vertebra and the inferior costal facet of the vertebra above
Costotransverse joints
The tubercle of the rib articulates with the transverse costal facet on the transverse process of its corresponding vertebra
Sternocostal joint
These joints connect the costal cartilages of the ribs to the sternum
- The first sternocostal joint is a fibrocartilaginous joint, while the remaining sternocostal joints are synovial.
Manubrium (articulation)
the manubrium of the sternum forms the upper part of the sternum and articulates with rib I and the clavicles
Xiphoid process (articulation)
The xiphoid process is the smallest part of the sternum and articulates with the body of the sternum and the seventh costal cartilage at the xiphisternal joint.
Flail chest
when multiple ribs are broken in two or more places, a loose segment of the chest wall (flail segment) is produced, which moves paradoxically during respiration
Pneumothorax
A rib fracture can puncture the parietal pleura, leading to the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity, causing lung collapse.
Hemothorax
If a fractured rib injures intercostal vessels of internal thoracic vessels, blood may accumulate in the pleural cavity, compressing the lung.
Intercostal nerves
The intercostal nerves, which run along the costal groove, can be damaged in rib fractures, leading to severe pain and possible loss of function in the thoracic dermatomes.
Costal margin
The costal margin, formed by the cartilaginous ends of ribs VII to X, can be fractured in severe trauma, potentially damaging underlying abdominal organs.
