Thoracic Wall Flashcards
What are the basic functions of the thorax (6)
- Protection
- Rigidity and elasticity
- Provides attachement for certain muscles required for upper limb movement
- Haematopoiesis
- Resists negative intra-thoracic pressure (works in partnership with diaphragm and abdominal muscles)
- Connections with the neck, upper limbs and abdomen.
What is the shape of the thorax?
The shape of a truncated cone
What makes up the components of the rib cage?
- Sternum
- 12 pairs of ribs (plus their costal cartilages)
- 12 thoracic vertebrae (plus their intervertebral discs)
What makes up the components of the thoracic wall?
- Thoracic cage
- Skin
- Subcutaneous tissue
- Thoracic muscles + fascia
- 3 layers of muscles extending between ribs (intercostal space)
- Mammary gland/breast tissue
What are the three classifications for ribs?
- True ribs (1-7)
- False ribs (8-10)
- Floating ribs (11-12)
Where is the costal groove located?
On the inner surface and close to the inferior border for the intercostal nerves
What lies in the grooves of the first rib?
(anterior to posterior)
- Groove for subclavian vein
- Scalene tubercle (attachment for anterior scalene muscle)
- Groove for subclavian artery and the inferior trunk of the brachial plexus
- There is no costal groove
What muscle attaches to the tuberosity on the 2nd rib?
Serratus anterior
Where can bone marrow aspiration be done in the thorax?
The sternum
What level is the solar plexus region at?
T6
Which ribs do not articulate with the superior costal facet of its corresponding vertebra and the inferior costal facet of the vertebra above?
ribs 1, 11 and 12
What type of joint is the costovertebral joint?
Synovial, supported by a capsule with ligaments
What articulates on the costotransverse joint?
The tubercle of the rib (except 11 and 12) and the transverse process of the corresponding vertebra.
How are the facets shaped on the 1st to the 7th costotransverse joints?
They are curved to allow for rotatory movements
How are the facets shaped on the 8, 9 and 10th costotransverse joints?
They have flat facets which allow for gliding movements
What kind of joint is the costochondral/costosternal joint?
A primary cartilaginous joint
How far does the apex of the lung extend above the anterior part of the 1st rib and clavicle?
2-3 cm
What is the thoracic inlet bound by?
The T1 vertebra, 1st rib, costal cartilage and manubrium.
What structures pass between the thorax and neck?
- Vessels that supply and drain the head and neck
- Trachea
- Oesophagus
- Vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerves
- Phrenic nerves
What structures pass between the thorax and the upper limb? (lie on 1st rib)
- Subclavian artery
- Subclavian vein
- Inferior trunk of the brachial plexus
What is the thoracic outlet (inferior thoracic aperture) bounded by?
- T12 vertebra
- 11th and 12th ribs
- Costal cartilages of ribs 7-10 (costal margin/arch)
- Xiphoid process
- Closed incompletely by the diaphragm
What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
- Subclavian artery, subclavian vein or nerves of the brachial plexus become compressed by either the clavicle, scalene triangle or between coracoid process and pec minor.
- Occurs at thoracic inlet
What are montgomery tubercles?
Visible portions of areolar glands on the skin surface, within the areola
What are sebaceous glands?
Microscopic exocrine glands in the skin that secrete an oily or waxy mixture called sebum, to lubricate and waterproof the skin.
What are areolar (Montgomery) glands?
Sebaceous glands
Where are the breasts located in adult females?
- Between the levels of the 2nd - 6th rib
- From the lateral border of the sternum to the mid-axillary line
- The upper lateral section may extend towards the axilla
- Found between the superficial and deep layers of superficial fascia.
What is the name given to connective tissue which condenses to form ligaments in the breasts?
Suspensory (Cooper’s) ligaments
What is the purpose of the suspensory (Cooper’s) ligaments in the breasts?
- Connect deep fascia to the dermis of the skin
- Support the breast
What is the retromammary space?
A layer of loose connective tissue between the deep layer of superficial fascia and the deep fascia.
Provides some degree of movement over underlying structures