Thorax

• identifies the portion of the body extending from the base of the neck superiorly to the level of the diaphragm inferiorly

  THORAX
• The lungs, distal portion of the trachea, and the bronchi are located in the thorax and constitute the

  LOWER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
• The outer structure of the thorax is referred to as the

  THORACIC CAGE
• contains the respiratory components

  thoracic cavity
• is constructed of the sternum,


  12 pairs of ribs,12 thoracic vertebrae, muscles, and cartilage.
• It provides support and protection for many important organs, including those of the lower respiratory system.

  THORACIC CAGE
• lies in the center of the chest anteriorly

  STERNUM
• the sternum is divided into three parts

  manubrium, body of sternum, xiphoid process
• connects laterally with the clavicles (collarbones) and the first two pairs of ribs.

  manubrium
• A U-shaped indentation located on the superior border of the manubrium is an important landmark known as

  suprasternal notch
• A few centimeters below the suprasternal notch

  , a bony ridge can be palpated at the point where the manubrium articulates with the body of the sternum. This landmark, often referred to as the sternal angle
• also the location of the second pair of ribs and becomes a reference point for counting ribs and intercostal spaces

  sternal angle
• the main structure of the thoracic cage

  12 pairs of ribs constitute
• This angle, commonly referred to as the ____________ , i

  s an important landmark for assessment.It is normally less than 90 degrees but may be increased in instances of long-standing hyperinflation of the lungs, as in emphysema. costal angle
• The_________________ and ____________ pairs of ribs are called

  “floating”ribs because they do not connect to either the sternum or another pair of ribs anteriorly. Instead, they are attached posteriorly to the vertebra, and their anterior tips are free and palpable11th and 12th
• The spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), also called the __________ can be easily felt with the client's neck flexed

  vertebra prominens
• The posterior thorax includes the


  vertebral line and right and left scapula line
• The lateral aspect of the thorax is divided into three parallel lines

  midaxillary line, anterior axillary line, posterior axillary line
• runs from the apex of the axillae to the level of the 12th rib

  midaxillary line
• consists of the mediastinum and the lungs and is lined by the pleural membranes

  thoracic cavity
• refers to a central area in the thoracic cavity that contains the trachea, bronchi, esophagus, heart, and great vessels. The trachea and bronchi are discussed immediately following

  mediastinum
• is a flexible structure


  that lies anterior to the esophagus, begins at the level of the cricoid cartilage in the neck, and is approximately10 to 12 cm long in an adulttrachea
• it is compose the trachea;


  C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage
• they help to maintain its shape and prevent its collapse during respiration.


  C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage
• represent


  “dead space”in the respiratory system, where air is transported but no gas exchange takes place. They function primarily as a passageway for both inspired and expired air.bronchi and trachea
• In addition, the trachea and bronchi are lined with mucous membranes containing

  cilia
• These hair-like projections help sweep dust, foreign bodies, and bacteria that have been trapped by the mucus toward the mouth for removal.

  cilia
• contain a number of alveoli in a cluster formation (resembling grapes), creating millions of interalveolar walls that increase the surface area available for gas exchange.


  Alveolar sacs
• are two cone-shaped, elastic structures suspended within the thoracic cavity

  lungs
• The _______ of each lung extends slightly above the clavicle

  apex
• The ________ is at the level of the diaphragm

  base
• the lung extends to approximately the _________

  sixth rib
• Laterally, lung tissue reaches the level of the __________

  eighth rib
• TRUE OR FALSE

  
  

  Lungs are perfectly symmetrical to each other

  FALSE
• The thoracic cavity is lined by a thin, double-layered serous membrane referred to as the


  PLEURA
• lines the chest cavity

  parietal pleura
• covers the external surfaces of the lungs

  visceral pleura
• is one of the

  physiologic third spaces for body fluid storage, severe dehydration will reduce the volume of pleural fluid, resulting in the increased transmission of lung sounds and a possible friction rub.PLEURAL SPACE
• is to maintain an adequate oxygen level in the blood to support cellular life. By providing oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide, ____________ assists in the rapid compensation for metabolic acid-base defects.

  RESPIRATION
• change according to cellular demands—often without awareness on the part of the individual. Such involuntary control of respiration is the work of the medulla and pons, located in the brainstem


  Breathing Pattern