SFP: Thorax Flashcards
What are the components of the thoracic cage?
12 ribs, 12 thoracic vertebrae, and the sternum
The thoracic cage protects vital organs and supports the upper body.
What is the inferior thoracic aperture?
The inferior is on top of the muscular diaphragm which separates the thorax from the abdominal cavity
This aperture plays a crucial role in respiratory mechanics.
What is the superior thoracic aperture?
Allows for communication with the neck
It serves as a passage for vessels and nerves to the upper body.
What are the borders of the superior thoracic aperture?
T1 vertebral body, 1st ribs and coastal cartilages, superior border of the manubrium
This structure is important for anatomical orientation.
What are the borders of the inferior thoracic aperture?
T12 vertebrae, costal margin, and xiphisternal joint
It demarcates the lower boundary of the thoracic cavity.
What structures can be found in the superior thoracic aperture?
Vessels/nerves to upper limbs and neck, trachea, esophagus, superior portion of each lung
This area is critical for the function of respiratory and vascular systems.
What are the major compartments within the thorax?
Two pleural cavities and the mediastinum
These compartments house vital structures and facilitate respiratory function.
Describe the distribution of the mediastinum.
Central compartment between the pleural sacs, extending from the root of the neck to the diaphragm, runs from sternum to vertebrae
It contains essential organs and structures.
What are pleural cavities?
Closed sacs lined by serous membrane found on either side of the thoracic cavity
They reduce friction during breathing movements.
Name major structures found in the mediastinum.
Heart, great vessels, esophagus, trachea, thymus, nerves, lymphatic vessels/nodes
These structures are critical for cardiovascular and respiratory functions.
What is the superior border of the mediastinum?
Superior thoracic aperture
This border is significant for anatomical and clinical assessments.
What is the inferior border of the mediastinum?
Diaphragm
It plays a key role in separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
What separates the superior and inferior mediastinum?
An invisible line running from the sternal angle to the space between T4 and T5
This line is crucial for anatomical delineation.
What defines various sections of the inferior mediastinum, and what are they?
The pericardium; middle, anterior, and posterior
These sections have distinct anatomical and functional significance.
What is the middle mediastinum?
The pericardial sac surrounding the heart
The mediastinum is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity.
What borders the spinal canal?
The body, pedicles, and lamina
These structures are part of the vertebral anatomy that protect the spinal cord.
Where do vertebrae articulate with each other?
The body and superior/inferior articular processes
This articulation allows for flexibility and stability of the vertebral column.
How do ribs articulate with vertebrae?
Demifacets/superior and inferior costal facets
This articulation is crucial for rib movement during breathing.
What are the 3 parts of the sternum?
Manubrium, body, and xiphoid process
These parts contribute to the structure of the ribcage.
The manubrium of the sternum is at the same level as which vertebrae?
T3-T4
This anatomical landmark is important for clinical assessments.
The body of the sternum is at the same level as which vertebrae?
T5-T8
This helps in locating the heart and other thoracic structures.
Which parts of the sternum articulate with costal cartilage of the ribs?
Manubrium and body
This articulation forms the anterior attachment points for the ribs.
Describe the manubriosternal joint.
Found between T4 and T5, between the manubrium and body of the sternum, articulates with the 2nd rib
It is a major surface landmark for thoracic anatomy.
Where is the xiphisternal joint located?
Between the body and xiphoid process at T9
This joint is significant for determining the location of the diaphragm.
Which ribs are considered typical?
2-7
Typical ribs have a similar structure and articulation patterns.
Which ribs are considered atypical?
1 and 8-12
Atypical ribs have unique features that differentiate them from typical ribs.
Which part of the rib articulates with corresponding vertebrae?
Tubercle
The tubercle of the rib fits into the costal facet of the vertebra.
Which part of the rib articulates directly with the sternum?
The shaft via articulation with costal cartilage
This connection allows for the expansion and contraction of the ribcage during respiration.
What is the anatomical feature of the first rib?
The head articulates with the T1 vertebral body and has the scalene tubercle as an attachment site for the anterior scalene muscle
It also features grooves for the subclavian arteries and veins.
How do ribs 8-10 articulate?
They have fused costal cartilages that articulate with the 7th rib costal cartilage and sternum.
What is unique about ribs 11 and 12?
They are ‘floating’ ribs, meaning they have no anterior attachment to the sternum.
What is the costal margin?
The border formed by fused costal cartilages.
What is the lowest point of the costal margin?
L3 vertebral body.
What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
A fusion of cervical rib at C7 to rib 1, resulting in a smaller superior thoracic aperture that can compress the subclavian artery and/or the brachial plexus.
At which vertebral level does the inferior vena cava (IVC) lie?
T8.
At which vertebral level does the esophagus lie?
T10.
At which vertebral level does the aorta lie?
T12.
What are the three P’s that the diaphragm is in contact with?
- Parietal pleura
- Pericardium
- Phrenic nerves
Describe the basic mechanics of inspiration.
The diaphragm descends, and the lungs/thoracic cavity enlarge. The diaphragm is at the lower border of the 5th rib on the right and 6th rib on the left.
Describe the basic mechanics of expiration.
The diaphragm ascends and the lung/thoracic cavity volume egresses. The diaphragm is at the upper border of the 4th rib on the right and lower border of the 4th rib on the left.
What is the function of phrenic nerves?
They supply motor fibers to the whole diaphragm and sensory fibers to central areas
Phrenic nerves are crucial for breathing as they control the diaphragm.
What are the spinal roots that make up the phrenic nerves?
C3, 4, and 5
The phrenic nerves originate from these cervical spinal nerves.
What is the function of intercostal nerves?
Sensory fibers to peripheral areas of the pleura and peritoneum
Intercostal nerves are important for sensing pain and touch in the thoracic region.
