Thorax

THORAX

Types of Ribs:
1. True Ribs
1.1. 1-7 they are attached to sternum

2. False Ribs
2.1. 8-12

2.2. But 11-12 are also called Floating Ribs

2.2.1. Floating ribs have no costal cartilage

Sternum
Consists of:
Manubrium

Body

Xiphoid Process

PARTS OF THE RIB

1ST RIB
FIRST RIB
1. Characteristics:

1.1. Short and very curved

1.2. Vulnerable to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

1.2.1. Can result from elevation of the 1st rib; due to upward
tension

1.3. Symptoms:

1.3.1. Tingling in ulnal distribution of the hand

1.3.2. Weakness in hypothenar and interosseous muscles

1.3.3. Pain in anterior chest

REMEMBER:

1. Scalene Anterior

POSTERIOR 1.1. Attaches to 1st rib

SCALENE
1.2. It is anterior to Subclavian Artery

1.3. It is posterior to Subclavian Vein

2. Scalene Medius

2.1. Attach to 1st rib

2.2. It is posterior to Subclavian Artery

3. Scalene Posterior

3.1. Attaches to second rib

3.2. It is posterior to Subclavian Artery

Intercostal Nerves
1. Intercostal nerve
a. Anterior cutaneous branch
b. Lateral cutaneous branch
c. Posterior cutaneous branch

Supreme Posterior
Subclavian Costocervical
(Superior) Intercostal (1&2)
Artery Trunk
Thoracic Artery Arteries
Posteriorly
Posterior
Thoracic
Intercostal (3-11)
Aorta
Arteries

Costal
Blood
Flow Anterior
Axillary artery
Highest Thoracic Artery Intercostal (1 & 2)
(1st part)
Arteries

Anterior
Anteriorly Intercostal (2-6)
Internal Arteries
Left
Aorta Aortic Arch Thoracic
Subclavian Anterior
Artery Musculophrenic
Intercostal (7-9)
Artery
Arteries

Muscles Nerve Action Origin Insertion

Ext and lateral bends
Illiocostalis Dorsal Rami Sn C4-S5
the trunk and neck
Ext and lat bends neck
Longissimus Dorsal Rami Sn C1-S1
and trunk
Medial & lateral pectoral Flx, Add the arm, IR of
Pec. Major
nerve C5-T1 arm
Medial & lateral pectoral Scapular depression,
Pec. Minor
nerve C8-T1 downward rotation

Subclavius Nerve to subclavius C5 Depresses clavicle

Scapular protraction,
Serratus
Long Thoracic nerve C5-C7 upward rotation of
Anterior
scapula
Intercostal n. 7-11,
Ext. Abd Flx and lat bending of
Iliohypogastric and
Oblique the trunk
Ilioinguinal n.
Intercostal n. 7-11,
Int. Abd Flx and laterally bends
Subcostal n, Iliohypogastric
Oblique the trunk
and Ilioinguinal n.
Intercostal n. 7-11,
Transverse Flx and laterally bends
Subcostal n, Iliohypogastric
Abdominis the trunk
and Ilioinguinal n.
Rectus Intercostal n. 7-11,
Flexes trunk
Abdominis Subcostal nerve
Levator
Dorsal Rami C7-T11 Elevates ribs
Costorum
Elevate 1st rib, flexes of
Scalene cervical neck (both
Cervical Nerve C5-C8
Anterior sides), rotation to
opposide side

Elevates 1st rib, flexes

Scalene cervical spine (both
Cervical Nerve C3-C8
Medius sides), rotation of
cervical spine (opposite)

Elevates 1st rib, flexes

Scalene cervical spine (both
Cervical Nerve C7-C8
Posterior sides), rotation of
cervical spine (opposite)

-1-