These objectives are meant to assist you in learning the anatomy of the thorax. It is assumed you are familiar with the anatomical components (i.e., bones, muscles, nerves, arteries, etc.).
- Understand the skeletal components and the joints that exist between these components
- List the contents of the intercostal spaces and their relationships (e.g. VAN).
- Recall the arterial supply, venous drainage and innervation of the thoracic wall.
- Describe the boundaries of the thorax, its inlet and outlet.
- Explain the layers of the pleural cavities as well as their reflections and recesses.
- Recognize the boundries of the mediastinum and the contents of each division.
- Demonstrate the relationships of structures in the mediastinum.
- Describe the surface projections of the margins of the heart, and its valves. How do the auscultation points differ from the surface projections of the valves.
- List the contents of the heart chambers, and flow of blood.
- Define the innervation of the heart and the conduction system.
- Summarize the development of the heart and great vessels and appreciate some of the more
common congenital anbomalies that occur in this region.
- Visualize the course of the phrenic and vagus nerves and their relationships to mediastinal structures.
- List each of the components of the respiratory system beginning with the nasal cavity.
- Describe the anatomical relationship of the lobes of the lungs and their surface projections.
- Discuss the pulmonary circulation and the segmental distribution of the arteries and veins.
- Compare and contrast the muscles involved in quiet respiration and forced inhalation
- Describe the lymphatic drainage of the thorax.
- Identify anatomic structures in radiographic studies including X-ray, CT scans and MRI films.