The is your 's protective shield for vital organs. It's made up of the , , and , working together to safeguard your heart and lungs while allowing you to breathe.
This bony structure isn't just a rigid box. It's a flexible framework that expands and contracts with each breath, thanks to the and . Understanding its components helps you grasp how your body protects and functions.
The Thoracic Cage
Components of thoracic cage
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The Thoracic Cage | Anatomy and Physiology I View original
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Axial Muscles of the Abdominal Wall and Thorax | Anatomy and Physiology I View original
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Top images from around the web for Components of thoracic cage
The thoracic cage – the ribs and sternum | Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab (BSB 141) View original
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The Thoracic Cage | Anatomy and Physiology I View original
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Axial Muscles of the Abdominal Wall and Thorax | Anatomy and Physiology I View original
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The thoracic cage – the ribs and sternum | Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab (BSB 141) View original
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The Thoracic Cage | Anatomy and Physiology I View original
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serves as an attachment point for ribs and costal cartilages (, body, )
12 pairs of curved, flat ribs form lateral walls of thoracic cage (also known as the )
Attach posteriorly to and anteriorly to sternum via costal cartilages
Protect vital organs (heart, lungs) and assist in
12 thoracic vertebrae (T1 to T12) in upper back provide attachment points for ribs and support thoracic cage
Form of spine
between ribs aid in respiration by assisting in rib cage expansion and contraction
Consist of , , and
Costal cartilages connect ribs to sternum
Hyaline cartilage provides flexibility to thoracic cage, allowing for chest expansion during respiration
Structure and significance of sternum
is most superior and widest part of sternum
Articulates with and first pair of ribs
() is junction between manubrium and body of sternum
Important anatomical landmark corresponds to level of second rib attachment
Indicates location of , , and
Body is longest part of sternum, located inferior to manubrium
Provides attachment points for ribs 2-7 via costal cartilages
is smallest and most inferior part of sternum
Consists of hyaline cartilage in young individuals, may ossify in adults
Serves as attachment point for and muscles
Types and features of ribs
(1-7) attach directly to sternum via their own costal cartilages
Provide stability to thoracic cage
(8-12) have indirect or no attachment to sternum
Ribs 8-10 attach indirectly to sternum via common
(11 and 12) have no anterior attachment to sternum, allowing for greater flexibility
Atypical ribs have unique features
First rib is shortest, flattest, and most curved with unique attachment to manubrium
Second rib attaches to sternum at , serving as key anatomical landmark
Typical ribs (3-10) share common features and attachments
Consist of , , , , body, and
Head articulates with facets of thoracic vertebrae
Tubercle articulates with transverse process of corresponding thoracic vertebra
Thoracic Openings and Clinical Significance
: superior opening of the thoracic cage, formed by first thoracic vertebra, first pair of ribs, and superior border of manubrium
Allows passage of important structures between neck and thorax
: inferior opening of the thoracic cage, bordered by the , formed by the inferior edges of the rib cage and xiphoid process
Separates thoracic and abdominal cavities
: compression of neurovascular structures passing through the thoracic outlet, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the upper extremity