Respiratory System Anatomy-1 Flashcards
What are the main anatomical features of the external thorax?
The external thorax includes the clavicles (collarbones), ribs, intercostal spaces, sternum (breastbone), and the vertebral column. The thorax has an anterior, lateral, and posterior view, with prominent landmarks such as the jugular notch, xiphoid process, and costal cartilage.
What are some important thoracic landmarks?
Important thoracic landmarks include:
Jugular notch (at the top of the sternum)
Sternal angle (Angle of Louis) (junction between the manubrium and body of the sternum)
Costal margin (the lower edge of the rib cage)
Midclavicular line (vertical line passing through the middle of the clavicle)
What is the organization and function of the intercostal muscles?
The intercostal muscles are organized into external, internal, and innermost layers.
External intercostals aid in inhalation by elevating the ribs.
Internal intercostals and innermost intercostals assist in forced exhalation by depressing the ribs.
What are the main divisions and anatomical features of the thoracic cavity?
The thoracic cavity consists of:
Pleural cavities (housing the lungs)
Mediastinum (the central region containing the heart, esophagus, trachea, and other structures)
The diaphragm forms the inferior boundary of the cavity.
What is the lymphatic drainage of the anterior chest wall and breast?
Lymph from the anterior chest wall and breast drains primarily into the axillary lymph nodes.
Lymph from the medial breast region can also drain into internal thoracic lymph nodes and supraclavicular nodes.
Define the origin, spinal root values, and functions of the phrenic nerves. What happens if the phrenic nerves are damaged?
The phrenic nerves arise from C3-C5 spinal roots.
Their main function is to innervate the diaphragm for respiration.
Damage to the phrenic nerve can result in diaphragmatic paralysis, impairing the ability to breathe effectively, particularly on one side of the body.
Describe the structure and function of the diaphragm.
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.
It plays a key role in respiration by contracting and flattening during inhalation, allowing the lungs to expand, and relaxing during exhalation to expel air from the lungs
