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Department of Neuroscience: Human Structure Module
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  9. Topographical Anatomy of the Thorax

Topographical Anatomy of the Thorax

Structure/SpaceDescription/BoundariesSignificance
midaxillary linean imaginary vertical line passing through the middle of the axillaused as a surface landmark for descriptive purposes
midclavicular linean imaginary vertical line passing through the midshaft of the clavicleused as a surface landmark for descriptive purposes
nipplelocated superficial to the 4th intercostal space in the male and prepuberal femalelocation of the left nipple may be used to help locate the apex of heart, which is approximately 8 cm from the midline in the left 5th intercostal space; a surface landmark used to place the stethoscope for auscultation of the bicuspid valve
sternal anglea protrusion on the anterior thoracic wall at the junction of the manubrium and body of the sternum (manubriosternal symphysis)sternal angle is the location of the attachment of t the costal cartilage of the 2nd rib to the sternum; an imaginary horizontal plane through the sternal angle passes through the T4/T5 intervertebral disc and marks the inferior boundary of the superior mediastinum
suprasternal notchthe notch located at the superior border of the manubrium of the sternum, between the sternal ends of the claviclesalso known as: jugular notch
thoracic inletthe opening at the superior end of the rib cage through which cervical structures enter the thorax; bounded by the T1 vertebral body, both of the 1st ribs and their costal cartilages, and the manubrium of the sternumthoracic inlet marks the boundary between the neck and the superior mediastinum; also known as: superior thoracic aperture
thoracic outletthe opening at the inferior end of the rib cage through which thoracic structures exit the thorax; it is bounded by the T12 vertebral body, both 12th ribs, the costal cartilages of ribs 7-12, and the xiphisternal joint thoracic outlet is closed by the respiratory diaphragm which is attached at its boundary; also known as: inferior thoracic aperture
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