The Thorax (2) Flashcards
State the boundaries of the upper thorax.
The thoracic inlet is named the superior thoracic aperture. It is bound by the vertebra of T1 and the 1st rib.
State the boundaries of the lower thorax.
The thoracic outlet is named the inferior thoracic aperture. It is bound by ribs 7 to 12, T12 and the xiphoid process.
State the functions of the thoracic wall.
Respiration (intrinsic/extrinsic muscles), protects organs, supports the breast.
What is the thoracic wall?
The thoracic wall is the muscles and bones enclosing the thoracic cavity.
What is endothoracic fascia?
The endothoracic fascia is loose connective tissue that separates the ribs from underlying fascia.
Describe the composition of the endothoracic fascia.
It contains various amounts of fat. It thickens over the top of each lung as suprapleural (Sibson’s) fascia. This Sibson’s fascia attaches to the internal border of the 1st rib and the TP of C7.
Label the diagram
1=neck
2=head
3=superior facet
4=crest of head
5=inferior facet
6,7=site of articulation with costal cartilage
8=internal surface
9=external surface
10=costal groove
11=body/shaft
12=costal angle
13=non-articular part
14=articular facet
15=tubercle
The 1st rib has an extra tubercle, name it and its location. What neurovascular structures lie next to it?
Scalene tubercle, medial to the regular tubercle. Medially lies the subclavian vein, laterally lies the subclavian artery.
State the sex differences in the anatomy of the sternum.
The sternum is shorter in females.
State the sex differences in the anatomy of the thoracic inlet.
The thoracic inlet is more oblique in females.
State the sex differences in the anatomy of the suprasternal (jugular) notch.
It is at the level of T2 in males and T3 in females.
State the anterior thoracic lines.
The anterior median line (down the middle) and the midclavicular lines (passing through the midpoint of either clavicle).
State the lateral thoracic lines.
The anterior, posterior and mid axillary line
State the posterior thoracic lines.
The midvertebral line and the right and left scapular lines (passing the inferior angle of the scapulae).
What does the infrasternal angle describe.
The infrasternal angle, localised at the xiphoid process, is the angle between the costal margins.
At what level is the sternal angle (the manubriosternal junction)?
The sternal angle is at the point of junction of the 2 costal cartilage (T4/5).
What major vein passes behind the manubrium?
The superior vena cava
What is auscultation?
Auscultation is the act of listening to internal body sounds.
Label the diagram.
C=aortic valve
D=pulmonary valve
E=tricuspid valve
F=mitral valve (male)
G=mitral valve (female)
What is interchondral subluxation.
Interchondral subluxation is the dislodgement of the rib from the interchondral joint.
Explain the abbreviation RIPE, in relation to chest X-rays.
RIPE is used to evaluate the quality of a chest X-ray image.
Rotation-ensure the patient isn’t rotated-by ensuring that each medial clavicle is equidistant from the spinous process.
Inspiration-inspiration must be of an adequate level-apices, costophrenic angles and 5-6 anterior ribs should be visible.
Penetration/Exposure-ensure there is appropriate exposure in the image-vertebrae must be just visible behind the heart (AP).
Explain the abbreviation ABCDDE, in relation to chest X-rays.
ABCDDE is a systematic approach to interpreting chest X-rays.
Airways-trachea, bronchi, carina
Breathing-lungs, apices, costophrenic angle
Circulation-heart size, mediastinum
Diaphragm-right hemidiaphragm ought to be higher than the left
Disability-fractures, deformities
Everything else-tubes, pacemakers, foreign objects, sub-diaphragmatic free air(indicates perforation of a hollow abdominal organ)
Label this diagram of a PA chest X-ray.
1=right apex
2=spinous process
3=trachea
4=carina
5=right hilum
6=right cardiac border
7=vertebral body
8=right hemidiaphragm
9=right costophrenic angle
10=1st anterior rib
11=left clavicle
12= posterior rib
13=aortic knuckle
14=left hilum
15=left cardiac border
16=gastric bubble
17=left costophrenic angle
State the pathophysiology, symptoms and treatment of tension pneumothorax.
Pathophysiology: air builds up in the pleural space, causing lung collapse on the affected side. Increased intrathoracic pressure compresses heart, mediastinum and contralateral lung.
Symptoms: shortness of breath (absent breath sounds on affected side), cyanosis, hypotension, tachycardia, distended neck veins, hyper resonant percussion due to air.
Treatment: immediate needle thoracostomy (14-16G needle in the 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line), later, install chest tube.