what is the main function of the bony thorax?
serves as an expandable, bellows-like chamber, wherein the interior capacity expands during inspiration and contracts during expiration
what structures are part of the bony thorax?
what is another function of the bony thorax?
protect important organs of the respiratory system and vital structures within the mediastinum, such as the heart and great vessels
what type of bone is the sternum?
flat bone
what are the different structures in the sternum?
what is the length of an adult sternum?
7 inches (18 cm)
what is the sternum composed of?
highly vascular cancellous tissue covered by a thin layer of compact bone.
what bone is a common site for marrow biopsy?
sternum
what is the upper portion of the sternum called?
manubrium
what is the middle/long portion of the sternum called?
body
what is the lower/smaller portion of the sternum?
xiphoid process
At birth, the body of the sternum is separated in -
four separate segments
when is the union of the four segments of the sternum completed?
25 years old
how many ribs are there?
12 pairs
what are true ribs?
ribs that connect directly to the sternum by costocartilage
which ribs are true ribs?
1-7
what are false ribs?
which ribs are false ribs?
8,9,10
what are floating ribs?
ribs that do not connect to the sternum nor costocartilage
which ribs are floating ribs?
11 and 12
what are the structures if a rib?
how many ends does a rib have?
2
what are the 2 ends of a rib?
the vertebral/posterior end articulates with the-
thoracic vertebrae