The thorax Flashcards
The vertebral level of the superior angle of the scapula
T2
The vertebral level of the suprasternal notch (upper border of the manubrium sterni)
T2/T3
The vertebral level of the spine of the scapula
T3
The vertebral level of the sternal angle (of Louis)
T4/T5
The vertebral level of the inferior angle of the scapula
T8 (it also overlies the 7th rib)
The vertebral level of the xiphisternal joint
T9
Which rib does the lowest part of the costal margin pass through?
10th rib (the subcostal line passes through L3)
Which thoracic vertebrae does the manubrium sterni correspond to and what does it overlie?
Corresponds to T3 and T4
Overlies the aortic arch
Which thoracic vertebrae does the body of the sternum correspond to and what does it overlie?
Corresponds to T5-T8
Overlies the heart
Where should be the ribs enumerated from?
2nd costal cartilage (articulates with the sternum at the angle of Louis)
Which spinous process is the first one that can be felt when palpating in the midline posteriorly?
C7 (the vertebra prominens)
What is the usual position of the nipple in the male?
Overlies the 4th intercostal space approximately 10cm from the midline
Where can the apex beat be palpated?
In the 5th intercostal space, 9cm from the midline, within the midclavicular line
Where can the trachea be palpated?
In the suprasternal notch, midway between the heads of the two clavicles
Where does the trachea commence and end?
It commences in the neck at the level of the lower border of the
cricoid cartilage (C6)
It runs vertically downwards to end below the
level of the sternal angle of Louis (T4/5), just to the right of the midline
What is the vertebral level of trachea bifurcation?
T6 (in the erect position and in full inspiration)
3 things that are demarcated by the angle of Louis
- the lower boundary of the superior mediastinum
- the upper margin of the heart
- the beginning and the end of the aortic arch
The distance between the apex of the pleura and the clavicle
2.5cm
