Thorax

Question 1

What are the functions of the thorax?

Answer 1

• Protect vital organs

- Support bones and muscles of the Pectoral girdle

Question 2

What 2 notches do the manubrium of the sternum contain?

Answer 2

• Jugular/Suprasternal notch

- Clavicular Notch

Question 3

Where is the sternal angle located?

Answer 3

The superior border of the sternal body

Question 4

What does Rib 1 articulate with anteriorly?

Answer 4

Manubrium of the sternum

Question 5

Which rib articulates with the sternal angle of the sternum?

Answer 5

Rib 2

Question 6

List the 3 Regions of Ribs.

Answer 6

True Ribs: 1-7
False Ribs: 8-10
Floating Ribs: 11 and 12

Question 7

What are supernumerary ribs?

Answer 7

Extra ribs that can occur in any region of the vertebral column but most common as a cervical rib (above Rib 1)

Question 8

Describe True Ribs

Answer 8

Articulate directly with the sternum anteriorly and with the vertebral column posteriorly.

Question 9

Why are Ribs 8-12 called False Ribs?

Answer 9

They do not articulate directly with the sternum but with the above costal cartilages of t he rib above.

Question 10

Which region of ribs do not attach anteriorly at all?

Answer 10

Floating Ribs (11 and 12)

Question 11

What is the purpose of the costal cartilages?

Answer 11

Anchor point to attach ribs anteriorly and allow for flexibility of the thorax.

Question 12

Where are the intercostal spaces located?

Answer 12

Separates the ribs and costal cartilages from each other and are occupied by intercostal muscles, blood vessels and nerves (Allows for expansion of the thorax during respiration)

Question 13

Which ribs only have one facet and articulate with a single vertebrae (not 2)

Answer 13

Ribs 10-12

Question 14

What does the costal groove contain/protect?

Answer 14

Costal vein, artery and nerve

Question 15

Which facets of Rib 6 would articulate with which vertebrae?

Answer 15

The facet for the vertebral body (above facet) articulates with T6 while the transverse process facet (below facet) will articulate with T5.

Question 16

What are 3 distinct characteristics of Rib 1?

Answer 16

• Single facet on head for articulation with T1 vertebrae
• 2 grooves for subclavin blood vessels
• Ridge for attachment of scalene

Question 17

What is the function of the costal cartilages?

Answer 17

Contribute to elasticity of the thorax and acts as the connection point between the ribs and sternum anteriorly

Question 18

How are the intercostal spaces numbered?

Answer 18

Coincide with the superior border rib. (Intercostal space between Rib 4 and 5 is the 4th intercostal space)

Question 19

What structures articulate within the costotransverse joints?

Answer 19

The tubercle of a rib and the transverse process of the same numbers vertebrae (except rib 11 and 12)

Question 20

What is the name of the joint at which the head of a rib articulates with the body of the same numbered vertebral body?

Answer 20

Costovertebral Joint

Question 21

How are infants ribs oriented? How do they breathe?

Answer 21

Infant ribs are not angled downward like an adults, therefore they mainly use their diaphragms to breathe.

Question 22

List the 3 Dimensions of expansion of the thorax and which Mechanism is responsible for each.

Answer 22

• Vertical Dimension; diaphragm
• Anterior/Posterior (front to back); Pump Handle Mechanism
• Transverse Dimension (side to side); Bucket Handle Mechanism

Question 23

Ribs that do not have a direct attachment to the sternum are collectively called what?

a) floating
b) normal
c) true
d) false
e) free

Answer 23

False

Question 24

Inspiration allows for increased or decreased intrathoracic volume?

Answer 24

Increased

Question 25

Which movement of the thorax during breathing decreases the intrathoracic volume?

Answer 25

Expiration