Bony parts of thoracic wall

Vertebrae (T1-T12)

Ribs

  • True ribs (1-7) articulate directly with the sternum.
  • False ribs (8-12) do not articulate directly with the sternum.
  • "Floating" ribs are 11-12.

Sternum

  • manubrium
    • suprasternal notch - level T2
    • sternal angle of Louis (arrow) - level T4
  • body - composed of sternebrae
  • xiphoid process (X) -xipersternal joint - level T9-T10.

The thoracic inlet (superior aperture) is bounded by the manubrium, first rib, and T1 vertebra.

The thoracic outlet (inferior aperture) is bounded by the xiphoid process, costal arch, the rib 12. This aperture is closed off by the diaphragm.

main

John A. McNulty
Last Updated: March 28, 1996
Created: 1 March 1996