Abdomen and Thorax Notes

• Thoracic Cavity

• Abdominal Cavity

• Spinal Cavity

• Dorsal Cavity

Thoracic Cavity

• Split into 2 sides by the sternum

  • Top of the sternum is the monubrium notch

  • Body of the sternum

  • Xiphoid process

• Lungs, esophagus, bronchi, trachea, thymus gland, and the heart are located here

  • Pericardial cavity = heart

  • Pleural cavity = lungs

• 12 pairs of ribs divided into 3 groups

  • True ribs = the first 7

  • False ribs = next 3 attach from vertebrae to cartilage to the 7th rib

  • Floating ribs = 2 ribs with no connection to the other 10

• Ribs are for protection and muscular attachment