Thoracic

Thoracic refers to the region of the body that is located between the neck and the abdomen. The thoracic region is primarily known for housing vital organs such as the heart and lungs. It is protected by the thoracic cage, which is made up of the sternum, ribs, and thoracic vertebrae.

Anatomy of the Thoracic Region

The thoracic region is a complex area of the body that contains several important structures. These include:

• Heart: The heart is a vital organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It is located in the middle of the thoracic cavity, slightly tilted to the left.

• Lungs: The lungs are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. They are located on either side of the heart within the thoracic cavity.

• Thoracic Cage: The thoracic cage, also known as the rib cage, protects the organs within the thoracic cavity. It is made up of the sternum, ribs, and thoracic vertebrae.

• Thoracic Vertebrae: The thoracic vertebrae are the twelve vertebrae that make up the middle part of the spine. They connect to the ribs and form part of the thoracic cage.

• Sternum: The sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone located in the center of the chest. It connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front part of the thoracic cage.

• Ribs: The ribs are a set of twelve bones which form the protective cage of the chest. They are connected to the thoracic vertebrae at the back and the sternum at the front.

Diseases and Conditions

There are many diseases and conditions that can affect the thoracic region. These include:

• Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. It is often caused by smoking, but can also be caused by exposure to certain types of chemicals and substances.

• Heart Disease: Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart. This can include diseases of the blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), and heart defects you're born with (congenital heart defects), among others.

• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

• Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.

See Also

• Human anatomy
• Respiratory system
• Cardiovascular system

Thoracic Resources
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