How is the thoracic cage unique?
The thoracic cage expands during inspiration. The 12 ribs that form the cage are uniquely shaped. Most have a head (articulates with the bodies of the vertebrae), a neck (flattened section of bone), and a shaft (serves as the attachment site for several muscles).
Why is the thoracic cage important?
The rib cage protects the organs in the thoracic cavity, assists in respiration, and provides support for the upper extremities. During inspiration the ribs are elevated, and during expiration the ribs are depressed.
Why is the ribcage special?
The rib cage surrounds the lungs and the heart, serving as an important means of bony protection for these vital organs.In total, the rib cage consists of the 12 thoracic vertebrae and the 24 ribs, in addition to the sternum. The rib cage is semirigid but expansile, able to increase in size.
How does the thoracic cage shape help its function?
The thoracic cage is formed by the 12 pairs of ribs with their costal cartilages and the sternum. The ribs are attached posteriorly to the 12 thoracic vertebrae and most are anchored anteriorly either directly or indirectly to the sternum. The thoracic cage functions to protect the heart and lungs.
What are the three functions of the thoracic cage?
The main functions of the thoracic cage include:
- Supporting the thorax;
- Protecting internal thoracic organs from injury;
- Resisting negative pressures that are generated by the elastic recoil of the lungs and movements induced by respiration;
- Providing attachment for the upper limbs;
Do ribs connect to spine?
Costovertebral ligaments attach the ribs to the thoracic vertebrae. The first 7 rib sets are connected to the thoracic vertebrae in your back and the sternum (breastbone). In the front of the rib cage and between the ribs are costochondral joints and costal cartilage.
Why is the thoracic cage flexible?
Although that is one key function, the ribcage does so much more. It provides vital support as part of the skeleton and, simply put, breathing wouldn’t be possible without it. All this means that the ribcage has to be flexible. The conical structure isn’t just a rigid system of bone – it’s both bone and cartilage.
What are the 4 different places where ribs attach?
Anteriorly, each rib ends in a costal cartilage. True ribs (1–7) attach directly to the sternum via their costal cartilage. The false ribs (8–12) either attach to the sternum indirectly or not at all. Ribs 8–10 have their costal cartilages attached to the cartilage of the next higher rib.
How is the rib cage adapted to its function?
Ribs are long, curved bones that form the rib cage surrounding the thorax. The thoracic cage can expand and contract to facilitate breathing in association with the diaphragm; it also protects the lungs, heart, and other organs of the thoracic cavity.
What two primary functions are performed by the thoracic cage?
The thoracic cage functions to protect the heart and lungs. The sternum consists of the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process. The manubrium forms the expanded, superior end of the sternum.
What thoracic level is the bra strap?
T7 (7th Thoracic Vertebra)