1. Vertebral Column, Thorax
HESC310
4/14/2017
Axial Skeleton:
Vertebral Column, Thorax
Slides by Vince Austin;
figures from Marieb & Hoehn 7th and 8th eds.;
modifications and some slides by W. Rose
Portions copyright Pearson Education
Axial Skeleton

2. Bony Thorax (Thoracic Cage)
Thoracic cage composed of
Thoracic vertebrae dorsally
Ribs laterally
Sternum and costal cartilages anteriorly

3. Bony Thorax (Thoracic Cage)
Functions
Forms protective cage around heart, lungs, and great blood vessels
Supports shoulder girdles and upper limbs
Provides attachment for many neck, back, chest, and shoulder muscles
Uses intercostal muscles to lift and depress thorax during breathing

4. Bony Thorax (Thoracic Cage)
Figure 7.19a

5. Bony Thorax (Thoracic Cage)
Figure 7.19b

6. Sternum (Breastbone)
Dagger-shaped, flat bone lying in the anterior midline of thorax
Results from fusion of three bones –manubrium, body, xiphoid process
Anatomical landmarks include: jugular (suprasternal) notch, sternal angle, xiphisternal joint

7. Ribs Twelve pair of ribs form flaring sides of thoracic cage
All ribs attach posteriorly to thoracic vertebrae
Superior 7 pairs (true, or vertebrosternal ribs) attach directly to sternum via costal cartilages
Ribs 8-10 (false, or vertebrocondral ribs) attach indirectly to sternum via costal cartilage
Ribs (floating, or vertebral ribs) have no anterior attachment

8. Ribs
Figure 7.19a

9. Structure of a Typical True Rib
Bowed, flat bone consisting of a head, neck, tubercle, and shaft
Figure 7.20a

10. Structure of a Typical True Rib
Bowed, flat bone consisting of a head, neck, tubercle, and shaft
Transverse costal facet
Figure 7.20b