Bones of the thorax

Bones of the Thorax

The thorax is a part of the anatomy that is located between the neck and the abdomen. The bones of the thorax play a crucial role in protecting the organs of the thoracic cavity, including the heart and lungs, and providing support for the body's structure.

Structure

The thoracic skeleton is composed of the sternum, the rib cage, and the 12 thoracic vertebrae.

Sternum

The sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone located in the center of the thorax. It connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the rib cage, thus helping to protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from physical trauma.

Rib Cage

The rib cage is made up of 12 pairs of ribs, which are attached to the thoracic vertebrae and curve around the sides of the body. The first seven pairs are known as true ribs, as they connect directly to the sternum through their own costal cartilage. The remaining five pairs are known as false ribs, with the last two pairs being referred to as floating ribs due to their lack of connection to the sternum.

Thoracic Vertebrae

The 12 thoracic vertebrae form the central part of the spine and serve as the posterior section of the thoracic cage. These vertebrae have facets on the sides for the attachment of the ribs, making them distinct from the other vertebrae in the spinal column.

Function

The bones of the thorax serve several important functions. They protect the vital organs within the thoracic cavity, provide support and structure for the body, and assist in the process of respiration by providing a rigid yet flexible structure for the lungs to expand and contract.

Clinical Significance

Injuries or diseases affecting the bones of the thorax can have serious implications, including rib fractures, sternum fractures, and thoracic vertebral fractures. Conditions such as osteoporosis can also affect the health and strength of these bones.

See Also

• Human skeleton
• Thoracic cavity
• Thoracic vertebrae
• Sternum
• Rib cage