The thorax consists of the ribs (costae), sternum (sternum), and thoracic vertebrae (vertebrae thoracicae). It is shaped like a cut cone.

Its anterior wall is formed by the sternum and rib cartilages, the lateral walls by the rib bodies, and the posterior wall by the thoracic vertebrae and the remaining rib parts.

The thorax has two apertures (entry/exit openings).

• The superior thoracic aperture (apertura thoracis superior) is located between the first thoracic vertebra and the first rib.

• The inferior thoracic aperture (apertura thoracis inferior) is located between the xiphoid process, the costal margin (arcus costalis) and the tenth (according to some sources, twelfth) thoracic vertebra. This aperture is closed by a specific respiratory muscle—the diaphragm.

  

  

  Between the two adjacent ribs is the intercostal space (spatium intercostale), which is closed by muscles and ligaments.

  

  The infrasternal angle (angulus infrasternalis) is formed at the junction of the rib arches with the sternum.

  

  Between the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae and the internal surface of the ribs the so-called pulmonary groove (sulcus pulmonalis) can be distinguished, to which the lungs adjoin.

  Depending on the body type, there are different types of thoracic cages:

• The asthenic type is narrow with wide intercostal spaces. The infrasternal angle is <90°.

• The normosthenic type is of medium width. The infrasternal angle equals =90°.

• The hyperstenic type is wide, with narrow intercostal spaces. The infrasternal angle is >90°.

Men have a cone-shaped, long and wide chest, and women have a cylindrical, shorter and narrower chest.

Dictionary

Thorax

thorax

thorax

costae

ribs

sternum

sternum

vertebrae thoracicae

thoracic vertebrae

apertura thoracis superior

superior thoracic aperture

apertura thoracis inferior

inferior thoracic aperture

arcus costalis

costal margin

spatium intercostale

intercostal space

angulus infrasternalis

infrasternal angle

sulcus pulmonalis

pulmonary groove