Thoracic Cavity Flashcards
What is the thorax?
region between neck and abdomen housing major organs of respiration and blood circulation
What are the compartments of the thorax?
2 pulmonary cavities and a mediastinum
What is the pulmonary cavities?
where the lungs, pleura and pleural cavities are
What is the mediastinum?
area between pulmonary cavities that contain heart, aorta, trachea, etc
What are serous membranes?
doubled layered membranes that create serous fluid and lubricate the cavities and organs; meninges, pleura, pericardium, peritoneum
What is the superior thoracic aperature?
aka thoracic inlet - opening of rib cage
What is the inferior thoracic aperature?
aka thoracic outlet - bottom opening of the rib cage
How many ribs do you have?
24; 12 pairs
What is the costal groove for?
to protect the intercostal muscle and vessel; neurovascular bundle
Which are the true ribs?
1-7
Which are the false ribs?`
8-12
Which are the floating ribs?
11-12
Why are they called false ribs?
because they do not directly attach to the sternum but rather multiple of them feed into one rib
What are the three parts of the sternum?
manubrium, body and xiphoid process
What is the joint where the sternum joins the clavicle?
sternoclavicular joint