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Related Concept Videos

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...
Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation01:24

Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation

Pulmonary ventilation is a vital process that ensures the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. It refers to the movement of air into and out of the lungs, enabling the body to obtain oxygen and remove waste carbon dioxide. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of pulmonary ventilation, including its underlying principles, mechanisms, and the interplay of pressures within the respiratory system.
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
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...
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity01:24

Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity

Breathing, otherwise known as pulmonary ventilation, is the process of air movement into and out of the lungs. The main mechanisms propelling pulmonary ventilation are atmospheric pressure (Patm), intra-pulmonary (Ppul ) or intra-alveolar pressure (Palv) within the alveoli, and intrapleural pressure (Pip) within the pleural cavity.
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
Location and Orientation of the Heart01:13

Location and Orientation of the Heart

The human heart, despite its modest size and weight, is an organ of remarkable strength and endurance. Roughly the size of a fist, the heart weighs between 250 and 350 grams and is nestled within the mediastinum, the medial cavity of the thorax. It extends obliquely for about 12 to 14 cm, resting on the superior surface of the diaphragm. The heart is positioned anterior to the vertebral column and posterior to the sternum, with two-thirds of its mass lying to the left of the midsternal line.
Gross Anatomy of the Lungs01:17

Gross Anatomy of the Lungs

The lungs are a pair of vital organs connected to the trachea via the left and right bronchi. The base of these organs meets the dome-shaped muscle known as the diaphragm. Encased by the pleurae, the lungs contact the mediastinum. The right lung is shorter yet wider, and has a larger volume than the left lung. The left lung has an indentation known as the cardiac notch. The superior region of the lungs is referred to as the apex, whereas the base is the lower region near the diaphragm. The...

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Intravital Widefield Fluorescence Microscopy of Pulmonary Microcirculation in Experimental Acute Lung Injury Using a Vacuum-Stabilized Imaging System
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The intercostal space.

Erino A Rendina1, Anna Maria Ciccone

  • 1Division of Thoracic Surgery, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome "La Sapienza," 1035 Via di Grottarossa, Rome 00189, Italy. erinoangelo.rendina@uniromal.it

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

Understanding intercostal space anatomy and physiology is crucial for thoracic surgeons. This knowledge enhances safety and efficacy in procedures like thoracentesis and postthoracotomy pain management.

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Area of Science:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • The intercostal space is vital for thoracic surgical procedures.
  • Understanding its anatomy is essential for surgical success and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of intercostal space anatomy and physiology.
  • To highlight the clinical relevance of this knowledge for thoracic surgeons.

Main Methods:

  • Review of anatomical and physiological principles of the intercostal space.
  • Discussion of clinical applications and their anatomical basis.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of the intercostal space, including its components.
  • Explanation of how anatomical understanding aids in various procedures.

Conclusions:

  • Thorough knowledge of intercostal anatomy improves safety and ease of procedures.
  • Precise understanding of neuromuscular and osseous relationships aids in pain control and chest wall motility post-thoracotomy.