BIO475 Human Anatomy Lecture 10 Thorax: Overview, Pectoral Region, and Thoracic Wall (Skeleton)

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the anatomy of the thorax, pectoral region, and associated structures as discussed in the lecture.

Thorax

The part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, enclosing the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels.

Pleural Cavity

Spaces within the thorax that house the lungs.

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity that contains the heart, great vessels, trachea, esophagus, and other structures.

Pectoral Region

The area of the thorax that includes the superficial and deep compartments associated with the upper limb.

Mammary Glands

Specialized sweat glands that produce milk, consisting of lobules and ducts.

Lactiferous Ducts

Ducts that transport milk from the lobules of the mammary glands to the nipple.

Axillary Node

Lymph nodes located in the armpit area that drain lymph from the breast.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles located between the ribs that help facilitate breathing.

True Ribs

Ribs I to VII that articulate directly with the sternum.

False Ribs

Ribs VIII to X which do not articulate directly with the sternum.

Floating Ribs

Ribs XI and XII that have no anterior articulation.

Superior Thoracic Aperture

The opening at the top of the thorax, bordered by the first thoracic vertebra, ribs, and manubrium.

Inferior Thoracic Aperture

The opening at the bottom of the thorax, bordered by the twelfth thoracic vertebra, lower ribs, and xiphoid process.

Cervical Rib

An extra rib that may articulate with the cervical vertebrae, potentially causing thoracic outlet syndrome.

Sternum

The breastbone, consisting of three parts: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

Articular Surface

The surfaces of bones that articulate with other bones, facilitating movement.

Trachea

The windpipe that connects the larynx to the bronchi, allowing air to pass to and from the lungs.

Bronchi

The two main branches of the trachea that lead into each lung, further dividing into smaller bronchioles.

Lungs

Organs located in the thoracic cavity involved in gas exchange, taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a major role in breathing.

Pleura

The double-layered membrane surrounding each lung that helps reduce friction during breathing.

Bronchioles

The smaller branches of bronchi that lead to the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the air and blood.

Costal Cartilage

Cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum, allowing for flexibility during breathing.

Sternal Angle

The angle formed between the manubrium and the body of the sternum, an important landmark for locating structures in the thorax.

Basic Structure of the Thorax

Irregular shaped cylinder / truncated cone containing thoracic wall, pleural cavities, lungs, and mediastinum.