4.1 Thorax and Thoracic Skeleton

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the thorax and thoracic skeleton.

Thoracic Wall

The structure that includes the breast, skeleton/cage, muscles, vessels, and nerves.

True Ribs

Ribs 1-7 that attach directly to the sternum.

False Ribs

Ribs 8-10 that indirectly attach to the sternum via costal cartilages.

Floating Ribs

Ribs 11-12 that do not attach to the sternum.

Costovertebral Joint

A synovial joint between the head of a rib and the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae.

Intercostal Nerves

Nerves that innervate the muscles and skin of the thoracic wall.

Pectoralis Major

A large muscle in the chest that is responsible for the movement of the shoulder.

Lymphatic Drainage

The process through which lymph is removed, essential for the spread prevention of breast cancer.

Costal cartilage

Hyaline cartilage that connects the sternum to the ribs, allowing elasticity to the thoracic wall.

Sternal angle

A landmark at the junction of the manubrium and sternal body where the second rib articulates.