Thorax: Definition, Function, Diagram and Examples

What Is The Thorax?

The thorax is another body part mostly known as the chest area and is located on the organism’s body between the cervical and the abdominal cavities. It accommodates the heart and lungs though they are shielded by the rib cage of the human body. In humans and many other organisms, the thorax is of great significance because it introduces a cavity that facilitates movements of respiratory organs in respiration as well as movements of…circulatory organs in circulation. To summarize, it is crucial for the stability, as well as the functionality, of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems; thus, it occupies a rather crucial place in both human and animal physiology.

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Anatomy Of The Thorax

The structure of the thorax has the following components:

Thoracic Skeleton

• The thoracic cavity is formed by the thoracic part of the vertebral column, sternum, and ribs which encase the heart and lungs.

• The sternum is smooth at the bottom and linked to the ribs through cartilage; the ribs are connected to the thoracic vertebrae at the back.

Diagram of the thoracic skeleton

Thoracic Muscles

Some of them are intercostal muscles that help in respiration as well as contraction of the chest, and the diaphragm which has a significant role in increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. The muscles are the scalene and the sternocleidomastoid which assist in deep breathing.

Diagram showing thoracic muscles

Thoracic Cavity

The thoracic cavity is part of the body is enclosed by the rib cage, sternum and thoracic vertebra; subdivided into two pleural cavities containing the lungs and the mediastinum which contain the heart, oesophagus and trachea.

Functions Of The Thorax

The functions of the thorax are:

Protection Of Vital Organs

The thorax safeguards structures like the heart, lungs and the vast majority of blood vessels against physical harm. The rib bones and sternum create a strong armour that effectively paddles or protects the injured, the thoracic vertebra also supports the spinal column as well as the nerve trunks.

Respiration

For breathing, one has to use the thorax to expand while taking in air and contracting while expelling the air. The diaphragm which becomes flattened on contraction lifts the lower ribs and stroke the thoracic cavity larger thus creating a vacuum that pulls the air into the lungs. Since breathing entails the movement of air in and out, the intercostal muscles also help in lifting and lowering of ribs.

Circulation

The thorax was also concerned with the circulation of blood since it contains the heart and large vessels including the aorta and pulmonary arteries. Thoracic movement during respiration also facilitates the return of the blood in the veins to the heart and promotes proper blood circulation in the thoracic cavity.

Clinical Aspects Of The Thorax

The thorax can have these issues:

Injury

Thoracic injuries, which include the ribs or any blunt force, pose a risk to the organs within the thoracic cavity which include the lungs and heart. Broken ribs can be painful and hinder the patient’s ability to breathe while severe injuries may cause internal bleeding or affect their breathing.

Pain

Most people experience chest pain in the thoracic region from numerous causes like costochondritis, which is a non-serious condition, but also from conditions like myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism which are serious. They can be described as sharp, dull or pressurising pain and usually cannot be distinguished until further investigations are done to establish the cause.

Atelectasis

Atelectasis means the lung or certain lobe does not inflate as it should, possibly resulting from obstruction or pressure injury. It can occur due to pneumonia, tumour or after operation and it causes less oxygenation and breathing problems.

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax on the other hand is caused by the entrapment of air in the pleural cavity hence making the lung collapse. It may be caused by trauma, medical treatment, or development on its own, thus causing the patient to experience sharp chest pain and breathe with difficulty. Management might entail the aspiration of the air and allow the lung to reinflate.

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