Thorax 11 - Anatomy of the Thorax Wall

Question 1

Where does the sternal angle of louis lie?

Answer 1

Opposite T4/5 and next to the 2nd cc’s

Question 2

What can trauma to the subclavian artery cause?

Answer 2

Possible thrombi-emboli to the forearm

–> painful ischaemia snd pallor of the forearm

Question 3

What can compression of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus cause?

Answer 3

Weakness of the small muscles of the hand and sensory disturbance to medial forearm (T8) and the arm (C8)

Question 4

With regard to the vertebra, where does a typical rib articulate posteriorly?

Answer 4

Superior costal facet of the same numbered vertebra and inferior costal facet of the vertebra above

Question 5

What type of facets do ribs 1 - 7 have and what sort of movement does this allow for?

Answer 5

Curved facets allowing for rotatory movements

Question 6

What type of facets do ribs 8, 9 and 10 have and what sort of movement does this allow for?

Answer 6

Flat facets allowing for gliding movements

Question 7

The intercostal neuromuscular bundle contains the nerve, the vein and the artery. In which order do these lie, from superior to inferior?

Answer 7

Vein
Artery
Nerve

Question 8

Where does the intercostal neuromuscular bundle lie in relation to the intercostal muscles?

Answer 8

Between the internal intercostal muscles and the innermost intercostal muscles