Structures of Thorax
The thorax, also known as the chest cavity, is a complex structure that protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
Boundaries of Thorax
- Anteriorly: Sternum and costal cartilages
- Posteriorly: Thoracic vertebrae and their intervening intervertebral discs
- Superiorly: Lower border of first thoracic vertebra
- Inferiorly: Upper border of twelfth thoracic vertebra
- Laterally: Ribs and intercostal spaces
Cavities within the Thorax
- Thoracic cavity: Divided into two main compartments - pleural cavities (left and right)
- Mediastinum: Space between the pleural cavities containing the heart, trachea, esophagus, and other structures
Thoracic Cage
- Sternum: Composed of three fused bones - manubrium, body, and xiphoid process
- Ribs: 12 pairs, connected to the sternum by costal cartilages and to the thoracic vertebrae by costal tubercles
Homoeopathic Drugs related to Thorax
- Belladonna: For pleuritic pain, inflammation, and cough
- Aconitum: For acute respiratory infections and pleurisy
- Hepar sulphuris: For pleuritic pain, cough, and expectoration
- Spongia tosta: For dry cough, bronchitis, and pleurisy
- Dulcamara: For pleuritic pain, cough, and respiratory infections
Rubrics related to Thorax
- Chest
- Pleurisy
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Cough
- Expectoration
- Dyspnea
- Pain in chest
- Thoracic vertebra
- Sternum
Muscles of Thorax
- Intercostal muscles: External, internal, and innermost intercostal muscles
- Serratus anterior: Contributes to movements of the arm and scapula
- Pectoralis major: Contributes to movements of the arm and scapula
- Pectoralis minor: Contributes to movements of the scapula and ribs
Muscle Action Sequence
- Inspiration: Diaphragm → contraction of external intercostal muscles → ribs move upward
- Expiration: Diaphragm → relaxation of external intercostal muscles → ribs move downward