Skeleton of Thoracic Wall

Question 1

Thoracic wall (4)

Answer 1

12 pairs of ribs and costal cartilages
12 thoracic vertebrae
sternum
intercostal space

Question 2

Superior thoracic aperture

Answer 2

anatomical thoracic inlet
borders: posteriorly - T1, laterally - first pair of ribs and costal cartilages, anteriorly - superior border of the manubrium

Question 3

Inferior thoracic aperture

Answer 3

anatomical thoracic outlet
borders: posterior - T12, posterolaterally - 11th and 12th pairs of ribs, anterolaterally - the joined costal cartilages of the ribs forming the costal margin, anteriorly - xiphisternal joint

Question 4

True ribs

Answer 4

vertebrosternal ribs
ribs 1 - 7
attach directly to sternum via costal cartilages

Question 5

False ribs

Answer 5

vertebrochondral ribs
ribs 8 - 10
cartilaginous attachment to rib above

Question 6

Floating ribs

Answer 6

free ribs
ribs 11 - 12 (sometimes 10 too)
free end which ends in posterior abdominal musculature

Question 7

Sternoclavicular joint

Answer 7

saddle joint

sternal end of clavicle with manubrium and 1st costal cartilage

Question 8

Intervertebral joint

Answer 8

symphysis (secondary cartilaginous)

between adjacent vertebral bodies