Chest Wall Anatomy

A. Azami, Ph.D.

Surface Landmarks

Boundaries of the thorax• Superior:

jugular notch, sternoclavicular joint, superior border of clavicle, acromion, spinous processes of C7

• Inferior:xiphoid process, costal arch, 12th and 11th ribs, vertebra T12

Thoracic wall• Skin • Superficial fascia

– Fat tissue– Cutaneous nerves– Superficial vessels

Breast• Deep fascia• Muscles

The segmental innervation of anterior surface of trunk

Thoracic wall• Skin • Superficial fascia

– Fat tissue– Cutaneous nerves– Superficial vessels

• Breast• Deep fascia• Muscles

Thoracic wall• Skin • Superficial fascia

– Fat tissue– Cutaneous nerves– Superficial vessels

• Breast• Deep fascia• Muscles

Thoracic wall• Skin • Superficial fascia

– Fat tissue– Cutaneous nerves– Superficial vessels

• Breast• Deep fascia• Muscles

Back muscles

Serratus anterior

Ant. Thoracic muscles

Thorax Muscles• Intercostales externi• Intercostales interni

Intercostales externi• Origin: lower border of rib• Insertion: upper border of

rib below origin• Action: elevate ribs adding

in forced inspiration

Intercostales interni• Origin: upper border of rib• Insertion: lower border of rib

above origin• Action: depress ribs for

forced expiration

DiaphragmShape and position:

dome-shaped between thorax and abdomen

Origin

• Sternal part: xiphoid process• Costal part: lower six and costal

cartilages• Lumbar part: arises from upper 2-3

lumbar vertebraeInsertion• central tendon

Diaphragm

Inspirationmovements of:

• Diaphragm• Sternum• Ribs

sternum

Ribs

Intercostal space