Osteology of Ribs, Sternum & Vertebrae

Front

What are the learning outcomes of the lecture on osteology of ribs, sternum, and vertebrae?

Back

1. Demonstrate the main anatomical features of the ribs, sternum, and vertebrae. 2. Demonstrate the surface landmark of the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae. 3. Describe the anatomy of the joint between the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae. 4. Explain the contribution of the joint between the ribs, costal cartilages, sternum, and vertebrae to the movement of ventilation.

Front

What forms the thoracic cage?

Back

The thoracic cage is formed by the sternum, vertebral column, ribs, and costal cartilages.

Front

What is the shape of the thoracic cage?

Back

The thoracic cage has a conical shape and a kidney shape in transverse section.

Front

What are the functions of the thoracic cage?

Back

1. Support and protect thoracic viscera and upper abdominal viscera. 2. Respiratory function: Inspiration increases capacity and decreases intrathoracic pressure.

Front

What is the gross anatomy of the manubrium sterni?

Back

1. Length ≈ 2 inches. 2. Vertebral level: 3rd & 4th vertebrae. 3. Two surfaces: anterior & posterior. 4. Three borders: superior, inferior & 2 lateral. 5. Superior border: suprasternal (jugular) notch. 6. Supero-lateral angle: clavicular notch. 7. Lateral border: notch for 1st costal cartilage articulation.

Front

What are the structures related to the manubrium sterni?

Back

Posterior relations include: A. Remnant thymus gland. B. Lower part: Arch of aorta. C. Upper part: 1) Three branches of the arch of aorta: Brachiocephalic artery, Left common carotid artery, Left subclavian artery. 2) Left brachiocephalic veins.

Front

What muscles are attached to the manubrium sterni?

Back

1. Anterior surface: Sternomastoid muscle, Pectoralis major muscle. 2. Posterior surface: Sternohyoid muscle, Sternothyroid muscle.

Front

What is the gross anatomy of the body of the sternum?

Back

1. Length ≈ 4 inches. 2. Vertebral level: 4 ½ vertebrae (T5, T6, T7, T8 & ½ of upper T9). 3. Upper border articulates with manubrium. 4. Lower border articulates with xiphoid process (xiphisternal junction). 5. Lateral border notches for articulation with half 2nd costal cartilage, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & upper part of 7th costal cartilage.

Front

What are the structures related to the body of the sternum?

Back

Posterior relations include: 1. Body: anterior mediastinum. 2. Right side: right lungs and pleura. 3. Left side: a) Above: left lungs and pleura. b) Below: pericardium. 4. Posterior surface: a) Remnants of thymus gland. b) Superior & inferior sterno-pericardial ligaments.

Front

What muscles are attached to the body of the sternum?

Back

1. Anterior surface: Pectoralis major muscle. 2. Posterior surface: Sternocostalis muscle.