Thorax

from base of neck (thoracic inlet) to diaphragm muscle
protects heart and lungs
site for attachment of muscles for upper limb, back, respiration

from diphragm muscle to pelvic inlet
contains major viscera of digestive system
No bony structure; musculature holds viscera in place

thoracic inlet or superior thoracic aperture

kidney shaped opening formed by T1 vertebra
1st pair of ribs and superior
margin of manubrium

apex of lungs
common carotid artery
internal jugular vein
subclavian artery and vein
esophagus and trachea
brachial plexus

wide opening formed by T12 vertebra, 12th pair ribs, & costal arch

sternum, ribs and costal cartilages

thoracic vertebrae and ribs

right pulmonary cavity
mediastinum
left pulmonary cavity

region of the thoracic cavity between the pulmonary cavities

12

sternum

cartilage

no anterior attachment

two facets
crest

narrows after the head
contains the tubercle
facet that articulates to the transverse process of the vertebra

costal angle
costal groove

sharpest curve of the rib and site of attachment for iliocostalis

where the spinal nerve and vessels passes

intercostal spaces
superior rib

2 nerves and sets of blood vessels

main intercostal nerve, artery, and vein

collateral branches

subcostal space

muscles that belong to upper limb or vertebral column
Includes: pectoral muscles, serratus anterior, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae

diaphragm
intercostals
serratus posterior
levator costarum

assist respiration

external
internal
innermost

oblique with inferior edge medial

oblique with inferior edge lateral

superior/inferior

a serous membrane

double sided
fluid filled

fibrous membrane superficial to the serous membrane

overfilling of the heart

superiorly to the large vessels exiting the heart
inferiory to the diaphragm

peristalsis

diaphragm hiatus
gastro-esophageal sphincter