the thorax Flashcards
what is included in the thorax
sternum
costal cartilages
ribs
thoracic vertebrae
structures enclosed
how can the shape of the thorax be described
irregular
what are the two apertures of the thorax
the superior and inferior thoracic apertures.
what is the superior thoracic aperture
the opening at the root of the neck that is continuous with the neck
what is the inferior thoracic aperture
the opening which is closed by the diaphragm
what are the three compartments of the thorax
right and left pleural cavities and the mediastinum
what is found in the pleural cavities
the lungs
what is at the top of the thorax
- first thoracic vertebrae
- first rib
- manubrium of the sternum
what is the jugular notch
the area where the trachea can be felt, and can make deviation clear, indicating any pathologies in the lungs like collapse or fluid
what are the pectoral girdle
bones which connect to the arm on each side
what is included in the pectoral girdle
clavicle and scapula
what is the clavicle
collar bone
what is the scapula
shoulder blade
what does the sternal angle show
where the second rib is
what is the sternal angle useful for
counting ribs inferiorly and laterally for chest drain insertion
what is effusion
fluid in the pneumothorax
where is the costochondral joint
the joint between the costal cartilages and the ribs
how many true ribs are there
7
what are the true ribs
1-7, as their costal cartilage links directly with the sternum
what are the false ribs
8-10
how many false ribs are there
3
why are they called false ribs
their costal cartilages are attached to the cartilage of the higher rib
what are the floating ribs
the vertebral ribs, 11 and 12, that are short and not attached to the sternum at all. instead, their costal cartilage terminates within the musculature of the lateral abdominal wall
what is the intercostal space
the space between the ribs