Thorax Flashcards
what is the shape of the thoracic cavity?
cone that is narrow superiorly and increasing inferiorly with a thin wall
what is the thoracic cage supported by?
sternum + thoracic vertebrae
what are the 3 divisions of the thoracic cavity?
- mediastinum: houses thoracic viscera
- right pulmonary cavity
- left pulmonary cavity
Fx’s of the thoracic wall
- prtect organs
- resist pressure from respiration
- provide attachment + support for upper limbs, muscles, abdomen, neck
the thoracic skeleton consists of?
- 12 pairs of ribs + cartilages
- 12 thoracic vertebrae
- IV discs
features of ribs
lightweight, resilient, inner bone marrow is spongy (hempoietic) and forms blood cells
what are true ribs?
vertebrosternal, attach to sternum with own costal cartilages (ribs 1-7)
what are false ribs?
vertebrochondral, cartilages connected to rib above (ribs 8-10)
what are floating ribs?
vertebral, cartilage ends in abdominal musculature (ribs 10-12)
What are the 4 typical ribs parts?
Head: 2 crests to attach to superior vertebrae and one for corresponding vertebrae
Neck: connect head with body
Tubercle: found at junction of body and neck
Body: thin, flat, protects nerves and vessels
which ribs are the atypical ribs?
rib 1: broadest, shortest, facet on head for articulation with T1
rib 2: rough area on upper surface is tuberosity for serratus anterior
ribs 10-12: facet articulating with single vertebra
ribs 11-12: short with no neck or tubercle
what is the fx of costal cartilage?
prolong ribs, give elasticity to thoracic wall
what is the fx of intercostal spaces?
separate ribs + costal cartilages
what are thoracic vertebrae?
bilateral costal facets with inferior + superior pairs that articulate with head of ribs
have demifacets (T2-T9)
what do costal facets articulate with?
tubercle of rib