Bony Thorax - Sternum and Ribs Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the bony thorax, sternum, and ribs.

Bony Thorax

The skeletal structure providing support and protection to the organs within the chest cavity, including the sternum and ribs.

Sternum

A flat bone located in the center of the anterior chest wall that articulates with the clavicles and ribs.

Manubrium

The superior portion of the sternum, which articulates with the clavicles and first pair of ribs.

Sternal Angle

The junction between the manubrium and body of the sternum, serving as a palpable landmark for the level of the second rib.

Xiphoid Process

The small, cartilaginous lower portion of the sternum.

Jugular Notch

A palpable depression on the superior border of the manubrium.

Sternoclavicular Joint

The articulation between the sternum and the clavicle.

Ribs

Twelve pairs of bones that articulate with the thoracic vertebrae posteriorly and protect the thoracic organs.

Costal Cartilage

Hyaline cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum, allowing for flexibility and movement during respiration.

Typical Rib

A rib with a head, neck, tubercle, angle, and shaft.

Costovertebral Joint

The articulation between the head of a rib and the vertebral body.

Costotransverse Joint

The articulation between the tubercle of a rib and the transverse process of a vertebra.

Costal Groove

The groove on the inferior surface of a rib that protects the intercostal vessels and nerves.

Floating Ribs

The 11th and 12th ribs, which do not articulate with the sternum.

RAO Sternum

Right Anterior Oblique position for sternum radiography, used to project the sternum away from the spine.

Orthostatic Breathing Technique

Breathing technique used to blur out the ribs for better visualization of the sternum.

PA Sternoclavicular Joints

Posteroanterior projection to visualize the sternoclavicular joints.

Diaphragm

A large, flat muscle at the bottom of the chest cavity that helps with breathing.

Hemothorax

Accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity.

Pneumothorax

The presence of air or gas in the cavity between the lungs and the chest wall, causing collapse of the lung.