Thorax
OUTCOMES:
1. Name the bony structures that form part of the thoracic wall and describe the osteology of each.
2. List, classify and discuss the articulation surfaces of all the joints that form part of the thoracic
wall.
3. Describe the different apertures in the thoracic diaphragm, as well as the structures running
through
Thoracic cage
 Sternum
 Ribs
R1-R12
Costal cartilage
Sternum
 Manubrium sterni:
sternoclavicular joint
 Body
 Xiphisternum = xiphoid proc.
 Sternal angle
Typical rib (R3-R10):
head (1/2)
 head has 2 facets
(demifacets) for joints with
adjacent vertebral bodies
Typical rib (R3-R10):
head (2/2)
 an intermediate crest for
attachment with
intervertebral disc
Typical rib (R3-R10)
 neck, tubercle (joint with
transverse proc.), angle,
costal cartilage
 costal groove
Typical rib (R3-R10)
 R3-7 joint to sternal body
 R8-10 attach to the costal
cartilage of the rib above
( → costal arch)
The first rib (R1)
flattened, costal cartilage to sternal manubrium
The first rib (R1): inferior surface
contact pleura - smooth
The first rib (R1): superior surface
The second rib (R2)
 costal cartilage has 2
facets
2nd rib
The 11th and 12th
ribs (R11, R12)
 end in small cap of
cartilage: floating rib
(R11, R12): head