Thoracic Cage

Question 1

What are the 3 main parts of the sternum?

Answer 1

Manubrium
Body of sternum
Xiphoid process

Question 2

Describe the notches on the sternum

Answer 2

A jugular notch at the most superior aspect
Clavicular notches on either side of that
Costal notches 1-7 down each side

Question 3

What is the ridge between the manubrium and the body of the sternum called?

Answer 3

The sternal angle, or angle of Louis

Question 4

Describe the structure of a rib

Answer 4

Head of the rib- attaches posteriorly 
Tubercle of rib 
Neck of rib
Body of rib
Costal groove on the body of the rib

Question 5

Why does the thoracic cage move?

Answer 5

The thoracic cage moves to increase or decrease the intrathoracic volume during inspiration or expiration

Question 6

How do the ribs move during inspiration and expiration?

Answer 6

The ribs move like a bucket handle

Moving superiorly and inferiorly

Question 7

How does the sternum move during inspiration and expiration?

Answer 7

The sternum moves like a pump handle

Moving anteriorly and posteriorly

Question 8

At which point does the head of the rib articulate with the thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 8

Superior demifacet

Question 9

Describe the structure of the thoracic vertebrae

Answer 9

2 superior articular facets -on the top
2 transverse processes- one on either side
2 inferior articular facets- on the bottom
Spinous process- middle of posterior side
A superior and inferior demifacet on either side

Question 10

At which point does the tubercle articulate with the thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 10

Facet on the transverse process

Question 11

At which point does the thoracic vertebrae articulate with the one below?

Answer 11

Inferior articular facet

Question 12

What are the 3 types of intercostal muscles?

Answer 12

External intercostals
Internal intercostals
Innermost intercostals

Question 13

What is the most superficial intercostal muscle?

Answer 13

External intercostal

Question 14

What is the most deep intercostal muscle?

Answer 14

Innermost intercostal

Question 15

What are the direction of fibres in the external intercostals?

Answer 15

Fibres go down and in

Question 16

What are the direction of fibres in the internal intercostals?

Answer 16

Fibres go up and in

Question 17

What are the direction of fibres in the innermost intercostals?

Answer 17

Fibres mirror internal intercostals (up and in) but are more vertical

Question 18

What is the function of the external intercostals?

Answer 18

Aid in inspiration, increase intrathoracic volume

Question 19

What is the function of the internal intercostals?

Answer 19

Aid in expiration, decrease intrathoracic volume

Question 20

What is the function of the innermost intercostals?

Answer 20

Aid in both inspiration and expiration

Question 21

What are the 3 types of ribs?

Answer 21

True ribs
False ribs
Floating ribs

Question 22

Describe the true ribs

Answer 22

Costal cartilage directly articulates with the sternum

Ribs 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Question 23

Describe the false ribs

Answer 23

Costal cartilage indireclty articulates with the sternum

Ribs 8,9,10

Question 24

Describe the floating ribs

Answer 24

Dont have any costal cartilage, don’t articulate with sternum at all
Ribs 11,12

Question 25

How many intercostal spaces are there?

Answer 25

There are 11 intercostal spaces on either side | 12 ribs-11 spaces

Question 26

Where is the neurovasculature of the intercostal space?

Answer 26

Located between the innermost and internal intercotal muscles ( between the 2nd and 3rd deepest layers) Sits under the costal groove

Question 27

Describe the neurovasculature of the intercostal space

Answer 27

Intercostal vein most superiorly Then an intercostal artery under that Then an intercostal nerve under that

Question 28

What is the name of the muscle that sits deep to the sternum?

Answer 28

Transversus thoracis

Question 29

Where does the transversus thoracis attach to?

Answer 29

Attaches from the body and xiphoid process of the sternum to the costal cartilages of ribs 2-6

Question 30

What is the function of the transversus thoracis?

Answer 30

Helps to move the ribs during forced breathing and support the thoracic cage through the breathing process