1. Injuries to the Chest and Abdomen
Chapter 14
Injuries to the Chest and Abdomen

2. Chest Physiology Chest (or thorax) includes: Bony structures
Twelve pairs of ribs, thoracic vertebrae, the sternum, the clavicles, and the scapula
Heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea, major nerves and great vessels are protected by the thoracic cage

3. Chest Physiology
Ribs and the diaphragm work together to bring oxygen into the body through the breathing process
Oxygen and waste products are exchanged through blood cells that are transported throughout the body via blood vessels.

4. The Circulatory System
Often referred to as cardiovascular system
Heart and the blood vessels

5. The Circulatory System
Divided into two parts:
Pulmonary circulation–taking the blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart
Systemic circulation–distributing the blood to all other parts of the body

6. Blood and Blood Cells
Blood performs many important functions in sustaining life.
Provides:
Nourishment
Hormones
Vitamins
Oxygen
Heat to the tissues
Blood removes waste products from tissues.

7. Blood and Blood Cells Blood is 78% water and about 22% solids.
Fluid portion is called plasma
Contains special proteins
Fibrinogen and prothrombin
Other substances in plasma include proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, sodium, gases, hormones, enzymes, etc.

8. Blood Cells Erythrocytes, red blood cells (RBCs)
Make up most of the solids contained in blood
Main function is to carry oxygen
Red in color because of hemoglobin
Contained within each red blood cell

9. Blood Cells Platelets (thrombocytes) Specialized type of blood cell
Produced to help coagulate, or clot, blood

10. Blood Cells Leukocytes, white blood cells (WBCs) Two classifications
Granulocytes
Agranulocytes
Produced in many locations throughout the body
Main function is to fight infections
Basis of the immune system

11. Blood Vessels Five types of blood vessels in the body: Arteries
Arterioles
Capillaries
Veins
Venules

12. Coronary Circulatory Path
Average adult has 5 to 6 quarts of blood in the body
Blood is circulated throughout the vascular system every 20 seconds.
Accomplished by the incredible pumping capacity of the heart

13. The Lungs Largest organs of the chest
Located within the pleural cavities of the thorax
Main function
To bring oxygen to the bloodstream and excrete carbon dioxide from the blood

14. The Lungs
Blood is transported to the lungs through the pulmonary arteries and from the lungs to the heart by the pulmonary veins

15. Ribs Protect vital organs and great blood vessels Twelve pairs of ribs
Muscle tissue, nerves, and blood vessels are between each rib
Arrangement of the ribs is what provides the characteristic shape of the rib cage

16. The Respiratory System
Carries oxygen from the atmosphere to the bloodstream
Expels waste product carbon dioxide
Parts of the system include:
Nose
Mouth
Pharynx (throat)
Larynx (voice box)

17. The Respiratory System
Parts of the system include:
Trachea
Bronchial tubes
Alveoli
Lungs

18. Chest Injuries Myocardial contusions and aortic ruptures Fractures
Pneumothorax
Hemothorax
Hyperventilation
Flail chest

19. Chest Injuries Pulmonary contusions Blows to the solar plexus
Chest contusions
Side stitches

20. Overview of the Abdomen
Abdominal cavity is separated from the thoracic cavity by the diaphragm
Including organs from the digestive, reproductive, lymphatic, and urinary systems

21. Overview of the Abdomen
Abdominal cavity is also separated into four quadrants
Right upper
Left upper
Left lower
Right lower

22. Overview of the Abdomen
Cavity contains:
Gallbladder
Liver
Stomach
Female reproductive system
Appendix
Small intestine

23. Overview of the Abdomen
Spleen
Liver
Kidney
Bladder
Pancreas

24. Injuries to the Organs of the Abdomen
Contusions
Ruptures and lacerations
Shock
Hernias