Anatomy Exam 2 Ultimate Study Guide

What is the thorax?

The thorax is the superior portion of the trunk situated between the neck and the abdomen.

What is the function of the thoracic cage?

The thoracic cage is an osseocartilaginous framework that protects internal thoracic viscera and selected abdominal organs, such as the liver.

What structures are contained within the thoracic cavity?

The thoracic cavity contains the thymus, heart, lungs, distal end of the trachea, and the majority of the esophagus.

What are the components of the thoracic cage?

The thoracic cage consists of the sternum, thoracic vertebrae, ribs and associated costal cartilages, superior thoracic aperture (inlet), and inferior thoracic aperture (outlet).

What are the three parts of the sternum?

The sternum consists of the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

What are true ribs?

True ribs (Ribs 1--7) attach directly to the sternum through their individual costal cartilages.

What defines false ribs?

False ribs (Ribs 8--10) attach indirectly to the sternum as their costal cartilages join the costal cartilage of rib 7.

What are floating ribs?

Floating ribs (Ribs 11--12) do not attach to the sternum at all and their anterior ends terminate within the abdominal wall musculature.

Describe the features of typical ribs.

Typical ribs have a head with two articular facets, a neck, a tubercle, and a body featuring a costal angle and an internal costal groove.

What is the action of the diaphragm?

The diaphragm separates thoracic and abdominal cavities and serves as the primary muscle of respiration.

What is the main muscle group involved in forced inspiration?

The external intercostal muscles elevate the ribs during forced inspiration.

What is the innervation of the diaphragm?

The diaphragm is innervated by the phrenic nerve (C3, C4, C5) for motor and sensory innervation.

What are the branches of the abdominal aorta?

The abdominal aorta gives off several branches: celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, renal arteries, and inferior mesenteric artery.

What is the function of the thoracic duct?

The thoracic duct conveys lymph from the entire body inferior to the diaphragm and from the left upper body (left half superior to diaphragm).

Where does the thoracic duct empty?

The thoracic duct empties into the left venous angle, at the junction of the left internal jugular vein and left subclavian vein.

What is a cardiac tamponade?

Cardiac tamponade is the accumulation of excess fluid inside the unyielding pericardial cavity, compressing cardiac chambers and preventing proper filling, which reduces cardiac output.

What is the significance of the aortic hiatus?

The aortic hiatus is located at the level of T12 and transmits the abdominal aorta, thoracic duct, and azygos vein.

What are the components of the mediastinum?

The mediastinum contains the heart, great vessels, esophagus, trachea, bronchial tubes, and thymus gland.

What are the four anatomical regions of the stomach?

The stomach is divided into the cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus.

What is the primary arterial supply of the liver?

The liver receives blood primarily from the portal vein (75%-80%) and the hepatic artery proper (20%-25%).

What is the function of the spleen in the body?

The spleen functions in erythrocyte storage, breakdown of aged red blood cells, and immune surveillance.

What does the term 'teniae coli' refer to?

Teniae coli are three distinct longitudinal bands of smooth muscle fibers found in the large intestine.

How is urine transported from the kidneys?

Urine is transported from the kidneys to the urinary bladder via the ureters.

What roles do the suprarenal glands play in the body?

The suprarenal glands secrete corticosteroids and androgens from the cortex, and catecholamines from the medulla.

What does the term 'peritoneal cavity' refer to?

The peritoneal cavity is a closed potential space containing a thin film of lubricating peritoneal fluid.