Thorax and Breathing Flashcards
Where do the lungs extend from
The diaphragm to the point above the clavicles
Where is the apex of the lungs
1 inch above the medial third of the clavicle
Why is the medial surface of the lungs slightly concave
To allow for other viscera to fit in the thorax
Where does the primary bronchi and blood vessels enter the lungs at
The hilum
Why is neck trauma worrying
Everything in this area is superficial - there are major blood vessels, nerves and the lungs
What are the fissures called that separate the lobes of the right lungs
Oblique fissures
Horizontal fissures
Why does the left lung have 2 lobes and not 3
The heart is situated more to the left
What is the similarity of the two lungs
The pulmonary veins are on the inferior end of the hilum
What is the difference between the two lungs
The right lung bronchus is more superior compared to the pulmonary artery
What is the pleura
A thin serous membrane
What does the parietal pleura do
Lines whole of the thoracic cavity
Adheres to the internal surface of the ribs and superior face of the diaphragm
Partitions off the mediastinum
What is the costodiaphragmatic recess
A space in the pleural cavity not filled by the lungs
Fluid can build up in this space especially during quiet breathing
What do the intercostal muscles do
Internal depresses the ribs
External elevates the ribs
What does the diaphragm do
Enlarges the thorax as it contracts and moves it down
What muscle depresses the last rib
Quadratus lumborum
What are the accessory muscles
Sternocleidomastoid
Scalene
Pectoralis major
What does the sternocleidomastoid muscle do
Raises the clavicle in forced inspiration
What does the scalene muscle do
Raises the first rib in forced inspiration
What is the name of the fissure that separates the lobes of the left lung
Oblique
What does the visceral pleura do
It lies against the parietal pleura and covers the outer surface of the lungs
What does the space between the two layers of pleura allow
Pleural fluid is produced and prevents friction
Why is it important in clinical examination to listen to the back of the chest
The inferior lobe of each lung is located posteriorly
This is where pathologies commonly affect eg pneumonia
