Thoracic Movement
Thoracic Movement - Related Videos
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,...
08:06
Eye Movement Monitoring of Memory
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Cited by 10 •
2010
Eye movement monitoring (or eye tracking) reveals where in space the eyes linger, when and for how long. Here, we demonstrate how eye tracking can be used to investigate the integrity of memory in multiple participant populations, without requiring verbal, or otherwise explicit, reports.
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...
FAQs
During inspiration, contraction of the diaphragm works with the intercostal muscles to elevate and expand the rib cage. This motion is transmitted through the costovertebral and costotransverse joints, allowing the ribs to move relative to the thoracic spine. The coordinated change in cage dimensions is therefore a mechanical link between muscle activity and breathing.
Expiration reverses the inspiratory pattern: the rib cage moves back from its elevated, expanded position, while the diaphragm and intercostal contribution no longer produce the same expansion. At the same time, the thoracic vertebrae remain capable of flexion, extension, and rotation. Considering these linked motions helps separate breathing-related movement from general spinal mobility.
Symmetry provides a comparison between the two sides of the chest during excursion. Unequal motion may draw attention to respiratory impairment or dysfunction involving the spine or ribs, whereas a broader range-of-motion finding may relate to thoracic vertebral movement. Symmetry is therefore interpreted alongside excursion and mobility rather than treated as an isolated diagnosis.
Clinical assessment can include thoracic excursion, side-to-side symmetry, and the range of motion of the thoracic spine. These observations address both breathing-related rib-cage motion and upper-body spinal mobility. Examining the features together can help identify whether findings are more consistent with respiratory limitation, spinal or rib dysfunction, or the effects of injury.
It is useful when clinicians need to investigate possible respiratory impairment, spinal dysfunction, rib dysfunction, or injury-related limitation. The findings can also establish a functional picture before rehabilitation begins. Repeating the assessment over time allows clinicians to monitor treatment outcomes and determine whether observed mobility or excursion changes.
Assessment findings help connect observed limitations with rehabilitation planning. Thoracic excursion and symmetry provide information about breathing-related motion, while spinal range of motion addresses upper-body mobility. Clinicians can use these observations to characterize respiratory, rib, or spinal limitations and then repeat them to monitor treatment outcomes.