Thoracic Cage
Thoracic Cage - Related Videos
01:17
The Thoracic Cage: Sternum
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2023
The thoracic or rib cage forms the body's thorax (chest) portion. Its primary function in the body is to protect vital organs in the thoracic cavity, such as the heart and the lungs. It consists of 12 pairs of ribs with their costal cartilages and the sternum. The ribs are anchored posteriorly to the 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12). The sternum is the elongated bony structure on the anterior side of the thoracic cage. It consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process.
01:20
The Thoracic Cage: Ribs
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2025
Ribs are curved, flattened bones forming the thoracic cavity wall with the thoracic muscles. There are 12 pairs of thoracic ribs. The posterior ends of all the ribs articulate with the T1–T12 thoracic vertebrae. In contrast,the anterior ends of most ribs attach to the sternum via their costal cartilages. Parts of a Typical Rib A typical rib has a head, neck, and body. The posterior end of the rib is called the head, followed by a narrow neck. The head articulates primarily with the costal facet...
06:57
Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
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Cited by 3 •
2020
Here, we present a protocol of the transaxillary resection of the first rib for treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome caused by compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian vein and artery.
01:15
Thoracic Aorta
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2024
The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
08:03
Maintenance of a Drosophila melanogaster Population Cage
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Cited by 8 •
2016
This manuscript reports a detailed protocol for culturing, on a regular basis, a population of Drosophila melanogaster using a fly population cage.
FAQs
Intercostal muscle contraction moves the ribs, changing the dimensions of the thoracic cavity. Expansion and compression alter air pressure within the lungs, while the diaphragm acts with these rib movements to support ventilation. This coordinated action explains how skeletal structures and muscles function together rather than operating as separate parts of the respiratory system.
Costal cartilages and the joints of the thoracic cage provide flexibility within an otherwise bony framework. Their movement allows the ribs to respond when intercostal muscles contract, helping the chest expand or compress. This flexibility is essential because a rigid cage could protect organs but would not support the changing thoracic volume required for respiration.
The diaphragm contributes to ventilation in coordination with movements of the ribs and thoracic cage. Considering these structures together clarifies how changes in the thoracic cavity influence lung air pressure. This relationship is important in biology because it links skeletal anatomy, muscle contraction, cavity volume, and respiratory function within one mechanical system.
Studying the thoracic cage provides a framework for understanding the position and protection of vital organs within the chest. Its vertebrae, ribs, costal cartilages, and sternum also establish relationships with respiratory muscles and the diaphragm. Mapping these connections helps biology and anatomy learners interpret how structure, protection, and movement are organized in the thorax.
Assessment of the thoracic cage can connect visible or structural findings with respiratory mechanics and possible injury. Rib fractures are especially relevant because damage to the cage may affect the structures that participate in chest movement. Examining the bones, joints, cartilages, and their relationship to respiration therefore supports anatomical and clinical evaluation of chest function.
The thoracic cage offers a subject-specific foundation for investigating how chest structures develop and how they support function. Researchers can relate its bones, joints, costal cartilages, intercostal muscles, and diaphragm to respiratory movement and anatomical organization. This makes the topic useful across biology, anatomy, clinical assessment, and investigations of chest development.