Anterior thoracic

Anterior Thoracic refers to the front part of the thorax, which is the part of the human body between the neck and the abdomen. The anterior thoracic region houses several vital organs, including the heart and lungs, and is protected by the sternum and rib cage.

Anatomy of the Anterior Thoracic

The anterior thoracic region is primarily composed of the sternum, the rib cage, and the organs they protect. The sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone located in the center of the chest. It connects to the ribs via cartilage, forming the front part of the rib cage and protecting the heart and lungs.

The rib cage is composed of 12 pairs of ribs, which are attached to the vertebral column at the back and the sternum at the front. The upper seven pairs of ribs are known as "true ribs" because they connect directly to the sternum through their own band of costal cartilage. The remaining five pairs are known as "false ribs"; the last two pairs are also referred to as "floating ribs" as they do not connect to the sternum at all.

Inside the protective cage formed by the sternum and ribs are the heart and lungs. The heart is a vital organ that pumps blood throughout the body, while the lungs are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Clinical Significance of the Anterior Thoracic

Due to the vital organs it houses, the anterior thoracic region is of significant clinical importance. Conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome, pectus excavatum, and costochondritis can affect the bones and muscles of the anterior thoracic, while diseases such as lung cancer, pneumonia, and heart disease can affect the organs within.

Thoracic surgery is a medical specialty that deals with conditions involving the thorax, including the anterior thoracic region. Procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open chest thoracotomy.

See Also

• Thorax
• Sternum
• Rib cage
• Heart
• Lungs