Thoracic wall

Question 1

What are the boundaries of the thorax?

Answer 1

Posterior - thoracic vertebrae
Laterally - ribs
Anteriorly - sternum
Superiorly and inferiorly they are open - thorax inlet and outlet

Question 2

What are the boundaries of the thoracic inlet?

Answer 2

Body of the 1st thoracic vertebra, the 1st rib and the manubrium sterni

Question 3

What roofs the thoracic inlet?

Answer 3

Pleura

Question 4

What structures are transmitted in the thoracic inlet?

Answer 4

Trachea, oesophagus, carotid a, subclavian a, internal jugular v, brachial vein, vagus and phrenic nerve

Question 5

What are the boundaries of the thoracic outlet?

Answer 5

Body of T12 vertebra, lower ribs and xiphoid process

Question 6

What closes the thoracic outlet?

Answer 6

The diaphragm

Question 7

What structures are transmitted in the thoracic outlet?

Answer 7

Oesophagus, dorsal aorta, inferior vena cava, vagus and phrenic nerves

Question 8

What is the purpose of the lever action of the lungs?

Answer 8

As they elevate they increase the thoracic dimensions during ventilation