Thoracic Region

Question 1

Which of the following are parts or landmarks of the sternum? Select all that apply.

Manubrium
Head
Xiphoid process
Suprasternal notch
Tubercle

Answer 1

Manubrium
Xiphoid process
Suprasternal notch

Question 2

Which of the following structures articulate to form the costovertebral joints?

A. Head of a rib and the thoracic vertebra of the same numbered rib and the vertebra inferior to it
B. Head of a rib and the thoracic vertebra of the same numbered rib and the vertebra superior to it
C. The tubercle of the rib with the transverse process of the same numbered thoracic vertebra

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Which of the following ligaments strengths the joint capsule of the costotransverse joints? Select all that apply.

Radiate ligament
Superior costotransverse ligament
Lateral costotransverse ligament
Anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 3

Superior costotransverse ligament
Lateral costotransverse ligament

Question 4

Which of the following muscles primary action is to depress the ribs?

A. Serratus posterior inferior
B. Serratus posterior superior
C. External intercostal

Answer 4

A

Question 5

Which of the following muscles are NOT contained in the intercostal space? Select all that apply.

External intercostal
Transversus thoracis
Serratus posterior inferior
Internal intercostal
Innermost intercostal

Answer 5

Transversus thoracis
Serratus posterior inferior

Question 6

During inspiration and expiration, which muscle will descend and ascend, respectively to alter the vertical dimensions of the thoracic cage?

Answer 6

Diaphragm

Question 7

The skin of the thorax is supplied by the ventral rami (intercostal nerves) arising from which spinal segments?

Answer 7

T1-T6

Question 8

The blood supply to the thoracic wall is provided by branches of which of the following arteries? Select all that apply.

Subclavian
Abdominal aorta
External carotid
Thoracic aorta
Axillary artery

Answer 8

Subclavian
Thoracic aorta
Axillary artery

Question 9

Which ribs are true? Which are false? Which ribs are floating? What does it mean to be a true or false rib?

Answer 9

True: 1-7
False: 8-12
Floating: 11-12

True ribs articular directly with the sternum.

False ribs articulate with the cartilage superior to them that articulates with the sternum.

Question 10

What are the 6 landmarks of a typical rib (ribs 3-9)?

Answer 10

Head
Neck
Articular facets (on head and tubercles)
Tubercle
Angle
Body

Question 11

What are the two types of rib joints and what do they articulate with? What movement/s do these joints allow for?

Answer 11

Costovertebral joint: articulates with head of rib and 2 vertebral bodies (vertebra of same # and vertebra superior)

Costotransverse joint: articulates with tubercle of rib and transverse process of same vertebra #

Allow for elevation and depression of ribs

Question 12

What are the elements of the intercostal space?

Answer 12

• Intercostal muscles: External, internal, innermost
• Intercostal nerves: ventral rami of T1-T11 (T12 forms subcostal nerves)
• Intercostal arteries
• Intercostal veins

Question 13

What are the 5 muscles of the thoracic wall?

Answer 13

External intercostal
Internal intercostal
Innermost intercostal
Transversus thoracis
Serratus posterior superior and inferior

Question 14

What is the difference between the actions of Serratus posterior superior and inferior?

Answer 14

Superior elevates, inferior depresses

Question 15

What is the innervation of the diaphragm?

Answer 15

Phrenic nerve

Question 16

What provides sensory innervation to the skin of the thoracic region anteriorly and laterally?

Answer 16

Cutaneous branches of the ventral rami of the spinal nerves

Question 17

What vessels supply the thoracic wall?

Answer 17

Branches of subclavian artery, Axillary artery, and thoracic aorta:
- Posterior intercostal
- Subcostal artery
- Internal thoracic artery
- Superior and lateral thoracic