Thoracic Cavity

Question 1

What 3 things make up the Thoracic Cage?

Answer 1

Intercostal muscles
Ribs
Sternum

Question 2

What artery runs through the thoracic cage near the sternum?

Answer 2

Internal Thoracic Artery

Question 3

Thoracic Apertures–Name the two regions

Answer 3

Superior Thoracic Aperture

Question 4

Thoracic Apertures–Name the components of the Superior Thoracic Aperture

Answer 4

Esophagus
Trachea
Common Carotid and Subclavian Arteries
Internal Jugular and Subclavian Viens

Question 5

Thoracic Apertures–Inferior Thoracic Aperture Name and describe
What is the main structure made of?

Answer 5

Diaphragm
Large and Expandable for breathing
Muscles and Tendons

Question 6

Describe the superior thoracic aperture–
Where is it located?
Movement?
What structure is between the vein and artery on the rib?

Answer 6

T-1 1st rib.
Very rigid, little movement. Strong pivital area.
Scaleen Tubercle

Question 7

What is the structural function of the Diaphragm?

Answer 7

Divides the thorax and abdomen.

Question 8

What nerve innervate the Diaphragm?
From what vertebrae?
Is this muscle voluntary or involuntary?

Answer 8

Phrenic Nerves.
C3, C4, C5
Both voluntary and involuntary.

Question 9

What is the physiological function of the diaphragm?

Answer 9

Main muscle of respiration.

Flattens out during contraction.

Question 10

What happens when there is damage to nerves from C3, C4, or C5?

Answer 10

The person loses the ability to breath, and has to be put on a respirator.

Question 11

The diaphragm has three holes. Name them

Answer 11

Esophageal Hiatus,
Vena Caval Foramen,
Aortic Hiatus

Question 12

Which vertebral level is the Esophageal Hiatus located?

What 3 structures pass through that hole?

Answer 12

T10
Esophagus,
Vagus nerves,
Esophageal arteries.

Question 13

Which vertebral level is the Vena Caval Foramen located?

What 2 structures pass through that hole?

Answer 13

T8
Inferior vena cava,
Right phrenic nerve.

Question 14

Which vertebral level is the Aortic Hiatus located?

What 3 structures pass through that hole?

Answer 14

T12
Aorta,
Azygos vein,
Thoracic Duct

Question 15

What is the term used to describe the diaphragm’s structural composition?

Answer 15

Musculophrenic

Question 16

Name the 4 “attachments” of the diaphragm from the posterior first.

Answer 16

T12 vertebra,
12th rib and costal cartilage,
11th rib and costal cartilage,
Costal margin of arch,
Xiphoid process.

Question 17

The thoracic wall moves in multiple planes during breathing. What are they?

Answer 17

Lateral, superior, and anterior

Question 18

Describe what happens to the ribs and diaphragm during breathing.

Answer 18

Inhalation: Rib cage expands as muscles contract and diaphragm contracts (moves down)

Exhalation: Rib cage gets smaller as rib muscles relax and diaphragm releases (moves up)

Question 19

Describe the origin and purpose of the iron lung.

Answer 19

Was invented during the polio epidemic
Changes pressure to allow breathing because the muscles don’t function anymore.
Not as necessary today.