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Related Concept Videos

The Thoracic Cage: Sternum01:17

The Thoracic Cage: Sternum

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.
Anatomical Positions01:11

Anatomical Positions

In anatomy, several standard anatomical positions are used as references for describing the position and orientation of different body parts. These positions help provide a common frame of reference when discussing anatomical structures. The anatomical position is the standard reference point for describing the body's position and orientation. In this position:
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
The Thoracic Cage: Ribs01:20

The Thoracic Cage: Ribs

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...
Muscles of the Thorax01:25

Muscles of the Thorax

The thorax muscles are central to the body's respiration and provide essential support and movement for the upper body. They are intricately designed to facilitate the complex breathing process while also contributing to the structural integrity and mobility of the chest and upper limbs.
The diaphragm is at the core of thoracic musculature, the primary muscle involved in breathing. This expansive, dome-shaped muscle marks the division between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It originates...
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy01:30

Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy

Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis01:26

Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis

Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Electromagnetic Navigation Transthoracic Nodule Localization for Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
07:30

Electromagnetic Navigation Transthoracic Nodule Localization for Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

Published on: May 4, 2022

Surface anatomy and surface landmarks for thoracic surgery.

Rana A Sayeed1, Gail E Darling

  • 1University of Toronto, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada.

Thoracic Surgery Clinics
|February 15, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Understanding thoracic surface anatomy is crucial for surgeons. It aids in clinical assessment, interpreting imaging, and performing procedures like thoracic incisions and tube thoracostomy.

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Systematic Bronchoscopy: the Four Landmarks Approach
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Systematic Bronchoscopy: the Four Landmarks Approach

Published on: June 23, 2023

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Last Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Electromagnetic Navigation Transthoracic Nodule Localization for Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
07:30

Electromagnetic Navigation Transthoracic Nodule Localization for Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

Published on: May 4, 2022

Systematic Bronchoscopy: the Four Landmarks Approach
04:47

Systematic Bronchoscopy: the Four Landmarks Approach

Published on: June 23, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Anatomy

Background:

  • Surface anatomy is often overlooked in traditional teaching.
  • A strong grasp of surface anatomy is vital for thoracic surgeons.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the importance of surface anatomy in thoracic surgery.
  • To highlight its clinical and procedural applications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of traditional topographic anatomic teaching.
  • Emphasis on the relationship between surface features and deeper thoracic structures.

Main Results:

  • Surface anatomy knowledge is invaluable for clinical assessment and radiologic interpretation.
  • Familiarity with surgical landmarks is essential for thoracic incisions.
  • Understanding diaphragm level from surface landmarks aids interventions like tube thoracostomy.
  • Knowledge of chest wall musculature is key for reconstructive surgery.

Conclusions:

  • Thorough knowledge of thoracic surface anatomy is fundamental for thoracic surgeons.
  • It directly impacts patient assessment, imaging interpretation, and surgical procedure success.