RT Book, Section
A1 Starr, Julie
A1 Dalton, Diane
A2 Levangie, Pamela K.
A2 Norkin, Cynthia C.
SR Print(0)
ID 1132838935
T1 The Thorax and Chest Wall
T2 Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis, 5e
YR 2011
FD 2011
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9780803623620
LK fadavispt.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1132838935
RD 2024/04/19
AB The  thorax,  consisting  of  the  thoracic  vertebrae,  the  ribs,  and  the  sternum  (Figs.  5–1A  and  B),  has  several  important  functions.  It  provides  a  base  for  the  muscle  attachment  of  the  upper  extremities,  the  head  and  neck,  the  vertebral  column,  and  the  pelvis.  The  thorax  also  provides  protection  for  the  heart,  lungs,  and  viscera.  Therefore,  there  needs  to  be  a  certain  amount  of  inherent  stability  to  the  thorax.  The  structure  of  the  rib  cage  significantly  increases  the  stability  of  the  thoracic  spine  in  flexion/extension,  lateral  bending,  and  rotation.1,2,3,4  Probably  the  most  important  function  of  the  chest  wall  is  its  role  in  ventilation.  The  process  of  ventilation  depends  on  the  mobility  of  the  bony  rib  thorax  and  the  ability  of  the  muscles  of  ventilation  to  move  the  thorax.5,6