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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Symphyses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by fibrocartilage.
    Acetabulum
    The acetabulum is the pelvic socket that connects with the femoral head to form the hip joint, vital for stability, movement, and weight-bearing.
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Gliding (Plane) Joints
    e.g., between carpals
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Palatine Bones
    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.
    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Annular Ligament
    The annular ligament is a strong fibrous band encircling the head of the radius, stabilizing the proximal radioulnar joint and allowing smooth rotation of the forearm.
    Acromioclavicular Joint
    The acromioclavicular joint connects the clavicle and scapula at the top of the shoulder, enabling smooth scapular motion and stability during arm movements.
    Patella
    Knee cap, protecting the knee joint.
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
    Gastrocnemius
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Mandible
    Lower jawbone that houses the teeth.
    Occipital Bone
    Bone forming the back and base of the skull.
    Biceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow flexion.
    Temporal Bones
    Bones forming the lower sides of the skull and housing the ears.
    Coccyx
    Tailbone, the remnant of the tail in humans.
    Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Coracoacromial Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the coracoid process.
    Synchondroses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the front of the vertebral column.

    Thoracic Cage

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Ribs and sternum forming the protective cage for the heart and lungs.

    1. Overview

    The thoracic cage, commonly known as the rib cage, is a bony and cartilaginous structure that surrounds the thoracic cavity. It provides protection for vital thoracic organs such as the heart and lungs, supports the upper body, and plays a critical role in respiration. Composed primarily of ribs, the sternum, and thoracic vertebrae, the thoracic cage is both strong and flexible, allowing it to withstand internal and external forces while permitting expansion and contraction during breathing.

    2. Location

    The thoracic cage is located in the upper part of the trunk:

    • Superiorly: Bounded by the thoracic inlet (above the first rib and manubrium).

    • Inferiorly: Ends at the costal margin and diaphragm (separating it from the abdominal cavity).

    • Anteriorly: Formed by the sternum and costal cartilages.

    • Posteriorly: Bounded by the thoracic vertebrae.

    3. Structure

    The thoracic cage consists of 37 bones and supporting cartilage:

    • 12 pairs of ribs (24 bones):

      • True ribs (1–7): Attach directly to the sternum via costal cartilage.

      • False ribs (8–10): Indirectly attach to the sternum via cartilage of the rib above.

      • Floating ribs (11–12): Do not connect to the sternum at all.

    • Sternum (1 bone): Consists of the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

    • 12 thoracic vertebrae: Posteriorly anchor each rib via costovertebral and costotransverse joints.

    • Costal cartilages: Hyaline cartilage connecting anterior ends of ribs to the sternum or each other.

    4. Function

    The thoracic cage serves multiple essential functions:

    • Protects vital organs: Shields the heart, lungs, great vessels, and upper abdominal organs like the liver and spleen.

    • Supports respiration: Expands and contracts during breathing to aid in air exchange via diaphragm and intercostal muscle movements.

    • Structural support: Serves as an anchor for the upper limbs and muscles of the back, chest, and neck.

    • Shock absorption: The flexible ribs and cartilages help absorb and dissipate mechanical forces from impacts.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    In addition to its structural contributions, the thoracic cage plays key physiological roles:

    • Ventilation mechanism: Acts as a dynamic structure that changes volume to facilitate pulmonary ventilation through rib elevation and depression.

    • Muscle integration: Provides attachment for respiratory muscles (intercostals, diaphragm, serratus posterior) and accessory muscles (scalenes, sternocleidomastoid).

    • Lymphatic and vascular flow: Movements of the thoracic cage assist circulation of blood and lymph in the thoracic region.

    6. Clinical Significance

    Disorders and injuries involving the thoracic cage can impair breathing and organ function:

    • Rib fractures:

      • Most common thoracic injury; may lead to pain, pneumothorax, or hemothorax if sharp rib edges puncture lung tissue.

    • Flail chest:

      • Occurs when multiple adjacent ribs are fractured in more than one place, resulting in a free-floating chest wall segment that moves paradoxically during breathing.

    • Costochondritis:

      • Inflammation of the costal cartilage, typically causing chest wall pain; often mistaken for cardiac pain.

    • Pectus deformities:

      • Conditions like pectus excavatum (sunken chest) and pectus carinatum (protruding sternum) may affect cardiopulmonary function or require surgical correction.

    • Thoracic outlet syndrome:

      • Compression of nerves or vessels between the first rib and clavicle, leading to neurovascular symptoms in the upper limb.

    • Osteoporosis-related fractures:

      • Weakening of thoracic vertebrae or ribs can result in compression fractures, especially in the elderly.

    Did you know? Your spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column.