Boundaries
of the thoracic inlet |
|
| |
|
| Posterior: |
Body of T1 vertebrae |
| Antero laterally: |
Medial
borders of first ribs and their costal cartilages |
| Anteriorly: |
Superior
end of the manubrium of the sternum |
| |
|
|
| |
|
 Contents: Structures joining thorax to upper limb and neck
- Ducts : Trachea, esophagus, thoracic ducts
- Vessels:Common Carotid and Subclavian arteries, Internal jugular and sub clavian veins
- Nerves : Vagus, Phrenic, recurrent laryngeal and sympathetic chain
- Apex of lungs and pleura
|
| |
|
The inferior thoracic
aperture |
Boundaries:
| Posteriorly: |
T12 vertebra |
| Anterolaterally: |
12 th pair of ribs and its costal cartilages |
| Anteriorly: |
xiphisternal joint |
| |
|
Note:
Through this wide aperture (thoracic outlet), the thoracic
cavity communicates with the abdomen. In the living, this outlet is
closed by the thoracic diaphragm, which is pierced by the structures running
between the abdominal and thoracic cavities. |
| |
|
