Introduction to the regional anatomy of the thorax

Question 1

what are the subdivisions of the thoracic region?

Answer 1

-Pleural cavity
-Mediastinum

Question 2

what are parts of the cardiovascular system in the thorax?

Answer 2

-Superior vena cava
-Ascending aorta
-Pulmonary trunk

Question 3

what are parts of the respiratory system in the thorax?

Answer 3

Lung
Primary bronchi

Question 4

what are the parts of the GI tract in the thorax?

Answer 4

Oesophagus

Question 5

what are the parts of the musculoskeletal system in the thorax?

Answer 5

Vertebra

Question 6

where is the trunk of the thorax?

Answer 6

Between the neck and abdomen

Question 7

what are the two thoracic cavity apertures?

Answer 7

Superior thoracic aperture
Inferior thoracic aperture

Question 8

what makes up the superior thoracic aperture?

Answer 8

Manubruim
First rib
First thoracic vertebra

Question 9

what makes up the inferior thoracic aperture?

Answer 9

Xiphoid process (or the sternum)
Subcostal arch
Rib 11/12
12th thoracic vertebra
Diaphragm

Question 10

what is the function of the diaphragm?

Answer 10

It is the primary muscle of respiration

Question 11

what is the lateral wall of the thoracic cavity?

Answer 11

Ribs
Muscles (intercostals)

Question 12

what is the posterior wall of the thoracic cavity?

Answer 12

Thoracic verebrae
Intervertebral discs
Muscles (intercostals)

Question 13

what is the anterior wall of the thoracic cavity?

Answer 13

Sternum
Ribs
intercostal muscles

Question 14

what are the two lateral pleural cavities?

Answer 14

the lungs have their own pleural cavities

Question 15

where is the mediastinum located?

Answer 15

Centrally located
Medial spetum/partition
Separates pleural sacs

Question 16

what are the pleura of the lung?

Answer 16

Parietal pleura
Visceral Pleura
Pleural cavity

Question 17

what are the features of the lung pleura?

Answer 17

Thin, double layer
Low friction

Question 18

what are the features of the parietal pleura?

Answer 18

“outside”
- Endothoracic fascia (hooks onto the chest wall)
- Thorax, mediastinum

Question 19

what are the features of the visceral pleura?

Answer 19

“inside”
Lung surface

Question 20

what are the features of the pleural cavity?

Answer 20

-Pleural fluid

Question 21

what are the layers of the lung from superficial to deep?

Answer 21

Thoracic wall
Parietal pleura
Pleural cavity
Visceral pleura
Lung Tissue

Question 22

what can cause damage to the pleura?

Answer 22

Spontaneous, trauma, inflammation, smoking, pulmonary disease

Question 23

what are the symptoms of pleura damage?

Answer 23

Pain
Shortness of breath
Cardiorespiratory collapse

Question 24

what is within the superior subdivision of the mediastinum?

Answer 24

• Thymus, thoracic duct
• Internal thoracic blood vessels, great vessles of the heart, ligamentum arteriosum
• Vagus n, phrenic n, recurrent laryngeal n, sympathetic trunk
• Trachea
• Esophagus

Question 25

what is within the inferior subdivision of the mediastinum?

Answer 25

Anterior- lymph nodes, vessels
Middle- pericardium and heart
Posterior- esophagus, vagus n, thoracic aorta

Question 26

what are the general functions of the thoracic regions?

Answer 26

1. Respiration
2. Protection of vital organs
3. Passage of structures

Question 27

how does the thoracic region protect vital organs?

Answer 27

Posterior thoracic wall protects some abdominal organs