Thorax introduction

Question 1

Describe the thorax

Answer 1

• part of the axial skeleton.
• superiorly narrow
• inferiorly broad

Question 2

Bones of the thorax

Answer 2

• 12 Ribs and their cartilages, laterally
• 12 thoracic vertebrae, posteriorly
• sternum including manubrium, anteriorly

Question 3

Division of the Thoracic Cavity

Answer 3

• Mediastinum ( located in the middle)
• Right pleural cavity
• Left pleural cavity

Question 4

Borders of the Ilet/Superior Aperture

Answer 4

• Anterior: upper border of manubrium sterni
• Posterior: anterior border of superior surface of T1 vertebra
• Laterally: medial border of the 1st rib with its costal cartilage.

Question 5

Borders of the Outlet/inferior Aperture

Answer 5

• Anterior: infrasternal angle between the two costal margins.
• Posterior: inferior surface of the 12th thoracic vertebra.
• Laterally: costal margin formed by cartilages of 7th to 12th ribs.

Question 6

contents of inlet/superior thoracic aperture

structures above neck of 1st rib

Answer 6

• thoracic duct
• left and right lungs covered in pleura
• sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles.
• longus colli muscle
• remains of thymus.
• inferior thyroid veins.
  -trachea
• oesophagus
• right and left internal thoracic artery
• right and left brachiocephalic vein
• right and left phrenic nerve
• right and left vagus nerve
• left common carotid artery
• left subclavian artery
• right brachiocephalic artery
  structures above neck of 1st rib
• sympathetic trunk
• first posterior intercostal vein
• superior intercostal artery
• First thoracic nerve