Deck 15: Thorax and Lungs

Question 1

Name the components of the thoracic cage.

Answer 1

The thoracic cage consists of the sternum, 12 pairs of ribs, 12 thoracic vertebrae, and the diaphragm, which forms the floor. Further detail is found in the text.

Question 2

Describe the surface landmarks on the thorax.

Answer 2

The surface landmarks on the thorax are the suprasternal notch (a U-shaped depression just above the sternum); the sternum or breastbone, with three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process; the manubriosternal angle or angle of Louis (the bony ridge felt a few centimeters down the manubrium and continuous with the second rib); the costal angle, formed where the right and left costal margins form an angle at the xiphoid process; the vertebral prominences; the inferior border of the scapula, usually at the seventh or eighth rib; the twelfth rib, palpated midway between the spine and the side; and the reference lines-midsternal, midclavicular, midspinal, vertebral, scapular, anterior axillary, posterior axillary, and midaxillary.

Question 3

List the contents of the mediastinum.

Answer 3

The mediastinum is the middle section of the thoracic cavity. The esophagus, trachea, heart, and great vessels occupy the mediastinum.

Question 4

Describe the borders of the lung.

Question 5

Describe the anatomic demarcation of the five lobes of the lungs.

Question 6

Describe the pleurae and their function.

Question 7

List the structures that compose the respiratory dead space.

Question 8

Discuss the location and functions of the trachea and bronchial tree.

Question 9

Summarize the mechanics of respiration.

Question 10

Discuss developmental care associated with the thoracic cavity.

Question 11

Incorporate health promotion concepts when performing an assessment of the thorax and lungs.