What are the boundaries of thoracic aperture?

The superior thoracic aperture is bounded by the following: T1, first ribs (left and right), and superior aspect of the sternum. The superior thoracic aperture allows connection of the anatomic structures of the thorax and the neck.

What are the boundaries of the thoracic inlet?

The thoracic inlet is bounded by: the first thoracic vertebra (T1) posteriorly; the first pair of ribs laterally, forming lateral C-shaped curves posterior to anterior; and the costal cartilage of the first rib and the superior border of the manubrium anteriorly.

What are the contents of the inferior thoracic aperture?

Contents

  • ​aortic hiatus (T12) (not a true aperture)
  • esophageal hiatus (T10)
  • vena caval foramen (T8)
  • lesser apertures.

What structures pass between the neck and the thoracic cavity through the superior thoracic aperture?

Contents

  • sympathetic trunk.
  • supreme intercostal vein.
  • superior intercostal artery.
  • ventral ramus of the first thoracic nerve.

Which bones form the boundaries of the thoracic outlet?

The thoracic outlet is bounded by:

  • the 12th thoracic vertebra posteriorly,
  • 11th and 12th pairs of ribs laterally,
  • costal cartilages of ribs 7 through 10 anteriorly,
  • and the xiphisternal joint – (i.e.: the articulation between the xiphoid process and the inferior border of the sternal body) anteriorly.

What makes up superior thoracic aperture?

The superior thoracic aperture is bounded by: the first thoracic vertebra (T1) posteriorly, the first pair of ribs laterally (more specifically, the first ribs form lateral C-shaped curves posterior to anterior), and the superior border of the manubrium anteriorly.

Where is the thoracic inlet located?

Abstract. The thoracic inlet is located at the crossroads between imaging of the neck and chest. It represents an important anatomic landmark, serving as the central conducting pathway for many vital structures extending from the neck into the chest and vice versa.

What is thoracic diaphragm?

The diaphragm, often called the thoracic diaphragm, is a large muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. This muscle plays an important role in breathing as its alternating movement helps you inhale and exhale.

What is the Endothoracic fascia?

Endothoracic fascia is the layer of loose connective tissue deep to the intercostal spaces and ribs, separating these structures from the underlying pleura. This fascial layer is the outermost membrane of the thoracic cavity. The endothoracic fascia contains variable amounts of fat.

What forms the superior thoracic aperture?

The superior thoracic aperture (thoracic inlet, upper opening of the thorax) is reniform in shape, being broader from side to side than from before backward. It is formed by the first thoracic vertebra behind, the upper margin of the sternum in front, and the first rib on either side.

What is the thoracic outlet?

The thoracic outlet is the space between your collarbone (clavicle) and your first rib. This narrow passageway is crowded with blood vessels, nerves and muscles.

What defines the thoracic inlet?

Abstract. The thoracic inlet is the junctional region between the structures of the root of the neck and the contents of the thoracic cavity. The transverse plane through the thoracic inlet parallels the first rib and is tilted so that it is higher posteriorly than it is anteriorly (Fig. 4.28 a).