What cavities is the chest divided into? How the chest is structured and whether men have more ribs. Prevention in adults

The structure of the human chest is complex, since it serves as a protection for the vital organs located in this part of the body. The shape of the chest resembles an irregular cone, flattened in the anteroposterior region. The front of the cell is formed by the sternum and cartilage of the ribs; the back part includes the vertebrae thoracic the vertebral column, to which the posterior ends of the ribs are attached. The ribs form the lateral surfaces.

All structural elements create a frame of the torso in the chest area, necessary to protect the internal organs from injury. The sternum contains organs such as the heart, lungs, part of the liver, part of the digestive organs and the vascular apparatus, nerves, and muscles. Anatomy has created the chest in such a way that the bony skeleton can withstand blows, falls, and protect the nerves and blood vessels in the human body.

Anatomy

In addition to the presence of walls in the structure of the chest of the body, there are two holes. At the neck is the location of the upper opening, which limits the 1st thoracic vertebra of the spinal column, the sternal border and the first ribs. In transverse size it is 10-12 centimeters and has a length of up to 6 centimeters. Below is the final opening, bounded by the xiphoid process, the body of the last rib and the end of the thoracic spine.

Let's look at the structure and functions of the chest. If the functional skeleton is the same for all people and performs protective functions, then the anatomy of the torso is individual for each person. Most people have a normostenic body structure, resembling a cone. A developed muscular skeleton with tightly fitting shoulder blades creates a cylinder shape and forms a hypersthenic cell. There is also an asthenic variant, in which the breasts have a flat shape and narrow structure. This anatomy allows you to see the ribs, all the flaws and bends on the human body.

Over the course of a person's life, the shape of a cell can change. This is associated with injuries to the ribs and spinal column. Also, the formation of incorrect posture occurs with curvature of the spine.

Structure

If we consider the skeleton of the body, there are twelve pairs of ribs starting at the spinal column, the breastbone (sternum) and the spinal column (thoracic region). In the anterior part there is a cartilaginous apparatus, the sternum. In the posterior region there are twelve vertebrae of the thoracic spinal column and the same number of ribs.

The structure and functions of the rib include the ability not to interfere with breathing movements and at the same time protect the body organs in the chest area from impacts.
The rib consists of bone and cartilage that can withstand loads so as not to damage internal organs during pressure or sudden movements. But under certain circumstances, a puncture or fracture of the ribs may occur, which threatens not only the health, but also the life of a person.

At the front is the sternum, which is shaped like a flat bone. The sternum, unlike the ribs, is a bone that resists fractures and bruises. At the point where the ribs attach to the sternum, the sternocostal joints are formed.

At the back are the elements of the spinal column - the vertebrae. Inside the spinal column lies the spinal cord, which is responsible for the innervation of the body.

To protect organs and bones from displacement and injury, the cell is surrounded by a corset of muscles and tendons. They prevent displacement of the vertebrae and ribs, and take part in breathing. The chest area contains the heart and lungs, which perform the main vital functions of the body. Chest injuries are dangerous due to organ failure, cardiac or respiratory arrest, or the onset of bleeding.

Ribs

The ribs of the body play an important role in human anatomy and physiology, so it is necessary to monitor their integrity and health throughout life. Anatomy divides the chest cell into 7 large ribs (true). With their help, the ribs are attached to the sternum. Below them are 3 ribs that have a cartilaginous articulation with the upper segment. There are 2 floating ribs at the bottom. Floating ribs are not attached to the sternum, but are articulated with the thoracic spinal column.

With the help of ribs, a skeleton frame is created that is motionless in its characteristics. At birth, the baby is revealed to have a cartilaginous frame structure, which with age forms the bone skeleton of the chest. It is the ribs attached to the spinal column that create the shape of posture.
In order to maintain the shape of the frame, you need to follow the recommendations:

• maintain an even posture when attending classes at school;
• actively engage in gymnastics and other sports;
• control your posture while sitting and walking.

If, even at a glance, asymmetry is detected in the chest area, it is necessary to examine the condition of the spinal column for curvature factors. A curved spine disrupts the structure of the cell, including the location of the ribs, which negatively affects a person’s performance and lifestyle. Internal organs suffer.

Sternum

The sternum is formed from three parts - upper (manubrium), middle (body) and lower (xiphoid process). On top of the handle there is a jugular notch and a pair of clavicular notches. They are necessary to connect to the first pair of ribs and the collarbone.

The largest part of the sternum is called the body. 2-5 pairs of ribs are attached to the body. Below there is a xiphoid process, which is characteristically palpable during palpation.

Features of anatomy and physiology

At different periods of age, the human skeleton changes. Thus, in infants, unlike adults, the sagittal dimensions exceed the frontal dimensions of the cell. Also in children most anatomy forms cartilage when, as in an adult, after 30 years of age, ossification begins.

In practice, differences in the functioning of the respiratory system in men and women are distinguished. This is due to the peculiarities of anatomy and physiology. Thus, men tend to breathe with the rise of the abdominal wall, and women - with the chest.

With age or under the influence of pathological factors, changes in anatomy occur. Cartilage loses its elasticity and becomes susceptible to injury. This also leads to a decrease in the diameter of the breast, which causes malfunctions and damage to organs and systems. Among the pathologies, disturbances in the functioning of the respiratory system most often appear.

If the human skeleton is susceptible to pathologies of bones and joints, then the protection is weakened, and this causes injuries or sudden movements to lead to dislocations, fractures or cracks.

Among the injuries, the most dangerous are fractures in the chest. Bone fragments can injure internal organs, tissues, and disrupt the functioning of the lungs and heart.

Damage to the spine is dangerous. Both injuries and diseases (osteochondrosis, hernias) lead to disturbances in innervation and blood supply, causing parts of the body and organs to suffer.

To avoid consequences, you need to play sports, watch your posture, and avoid injury. Doctors recommend taking vitamins and calcium to older people, patients with diseases of bones, muscles, joints and women during pregnancy. Chondroprotectors are prescribed to stop the destruction of bone tissue.

Playing sports will help strengthen the corset of muscles and bones. By pumping up the muscles of the back and chest, you will be able to withstand impacts and falls without damaging the structure of the cell. Exercises with barbells, dumbbells, and horizontal bars are recommended. Strengthens muscles and bones by consuming vegetables, fruits, meat, and seafood. Yoghurt, milk, cottage cheese containing calcium and vitamin D are good for bones.

The human body surprises with its diversity. The complexity of the structure of the human body is a direct result of evolution, which allowed a living creature to go from a single-celled organism to a multifunctional intelligent creature - Homo sapiens.

The statement that there is only one norm is considered erroneous. After all, most of the characteristics of our body are variable in shape, volume, etc. One person may differ from another in height, gait, and this does not mean that something is wrong with one of them. That is why, when studying the human body, it is worth paying attention to the shape of the chest in normal conditions and in pathology.

The study of chest types has become widely used in medical practice. Experienced doctors, just by examining the appearance and studying the characteristics of the breast, can make a preliminary diagnosis, which significantly speeds up treatment or correction. Pathological variants are a symptom, not the cause of the disease. Often the pathology can be corrected, but some types of correction cannot be corrected.

Classification of normal forms

Normosthenic (conical) chest

Has the shape of a cone. The transverse diameter of the normosthenic form is larger than the anteroposterior one. The intercostal spaces, scapulae, supraclavicular and subclavian fossae are practically invisible. The shoulder girdle and its muscular composition are well strengthened and comparatively stronger than other forms. The angle between the costal arches is about 90 degrees. You can measure the epigastric angle by placing your thumbs on the xiphoid process and your palms along the costal arches. It occurs most often in people of average height.

Hypersthenic variant

Typical for stocky people. By appearance resembles a cylinder, the dimensions of which are almost identical in transverse and anteroposterior diameters. The almost horizontal arrangement of the ribs is characterized by unclear intercostal spaces, supra- and subclavian fossae. Obtuse epigastric angle, well developed muscles. This type is most often found in people of small stature.

Asthenic type

Funnel type (shoemaker's chest)

Characterized by inward depression of the xiphoid process and sternum. This creates a visible defect. In most cases it is congenital. Studies have shown that swimming can help gradually reduce the deformity. Otherwise, the defect can be eliminated through surgery.

Scaphoid shape

Occurs in people with. It is characterized by depressions in the body of the sternum, which are visually noticeable.

Kyphoscoliotic breast

It is the result of inflammation in the bony part of the spine.

The sternum is considered to be a bone that has a slightly elongated shape. The sternum is located in the medial part of the human chest. The frontal surface of the chest was completely isolated under it. The front wall of the sternum is slightly convex, but the posterior wall, on the contrary, is concave. The ribs are attached to both sides of the sternum by cartilage. This creates rib cage, inside which there are lungs, a heart and, of course, the main blood vessels. In addition, it also performs a protective function. The upper part of the sternum holds the clavicle in place, while the edges integrate with the first seven pairs of ribs. The upper region of the sternum also converges with the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

The sternum can be divided into three parts. The first is the manubrium, the second is the body, and the third is the xiphoid process. All of them are united with the help of cartilaginous layers, which by the end of our life turn into bone. The manubrium of the sternum is the widest and largest part in the upper region of the bone. Its upper zone has an unpaired jugular notch, while on the sides there are clavicular notches. They are simply necessary to merge with the collarbones. Laterally and slightly lower is a notch related to the first rib. This is sort of the point where the cartilage and the first rib come together. Going lower, you will find a shallow recess. It is the upper part of the costal notch, representing the second rib. The lowest point of this notch is located on the sternal body. It is three times the length of the handle, but at the same time significantly narrower than it. Body of the sternum in female body somewhat shorter than in men's. The lower part of the handle and also the upper part of the body form in the free space the angle of the sternum, which stands out in the frontal direction. The somewhat elongated body of the sternum has costal notches on its edges. They are necessary for the attachment of cartilage belonging to the true ribs. The costal notch for the seventh rib is located in the free space formed by the sternum and the xiphoid process. It, in turn, represents the shortest area of ​​the sternum. Moreover, it has a completely unpredictable shape and size. There are variants with both sharp and blunt tips. In this case, it can be turned forward or backward, and even have a hole in its medial part. In the superolateral region of the process there is an incomplete notch, which is attached to the cartilage that is part of the seventh rib. Closer to old age, this process forms a single whole with the body of the sternum.

The sternum in its composition has a large amount of fairly delicate spongy substance, saturated with a whole network blood vessels. This structure allows blood to be transfused inside the sternum. The serious development of the bone marrow makes it possible to remove it from this area for transplantation during procedures aimed at getting rid of radiation sickness. During heart surgery, the sternum is divided into two halves. This is required so that the surgeon has access to the necessary organ.

- part of the skeleton that performs the most important functionality. The structure of the human chest is carefully thought out by nature and verified to the smallest detail.

Rib cage - component skeleton

Where is the chest?

- This is an integral part of the upper skeleton. This structure is the largest section of the spine, originating from the collarbones and ending just below the lungs.

Functions

The cell acts as a natural shield that protects the organs inside.

The ribcage is needed to anchor the organs

Its competence includes 3 more important functions:

1. Keeps internal organs in the required position, which is the key to their proper functioning.
2. Carries out breathing movements due to the ability to expand and contract rhythmically.
3. Participates in the motor process.

The ribs are very elastic due to their curved shape and rarely break. Even if fractured, these bones usually do not require additional fixation and heal quickly.

Structure of the chest

Description of the structure (anatomy): The rib cage is a frame that is formed by 12 thoracic vertebrae, 12 pairs of rib plates, and the sternum. The posterior wall of the frame is made up of vertebrae and rib heads, the anterior wall is made up of the sternum with the costal cartilages attached to it, the lateral surfaces consist only of ribs.

The upper boundary of the osteochondral structure is the 1st thoracic vertebra, the upper region of the sternum and 1 pair of ribs, the lower – the 12th thoracic vertebra, the bend of the 10th pair of ribs and Bottom part sternum.

The sternum is the breastbone that is located in the center of the front of a person's chest. The bone is connected to 7 pairs of ribs through a cartilaginous articulation. The male sternum is flat and wide, the female sternum is longer and narrower.

The sternum and ribs are movably connected, due to which the lungs can expand freely.

The ribs are attached to the corresponding vertebrae at the back using the costovertebral joint; the first 7 pairs are attached to the sternum by cartilage. The remaining 5 pairs of ribs are not attached to the sternum: the 8th, 9th and 10th pairs are attached with their anterior ends to the previous pair of ribs, the last 2 pairs are attached only to the vertebrae.

1 pair of ribs articulates with the manubrium of the sternum (upper part), the other 6 - with the body of this bone. The collarbones are also articulated with the manubrium of the sternum. The collarbones do not belong to the osteochondral frame: they are part of the shoulder girdle.

The muscular structure of the frame ensures its mobility and the ability to expand and contract. The cavity is covered with the serratus and trapezius, intercostal, pectoralis minor and major, and vastus muscles.

In the chest cavity there are:

• lungs;
• heart;
• blood arteries;
• esophagus;
• trachea;
• thymus.

Normal chest shape

In newborns, the frame has a convex shape, but as the skeleton grows, it acquires a flatter outline.

In accordance with the type and design of the skeleton, several types of normal forms of the bone frame are distinguished:

1. Normosthenic. This structure resembles a truncated cone. The shoulder blades, intercostal spaces, subclavian and supraclavicular fossa are faintly visible. The lower costal arches form a right angle. The dimensions of the thoracic and abdominal sections are the same. The normosthenic type is characteristic of people of average height.
2. Hypersthenic. The frame has cylindrical shape. The lateral and transverse diameters of the cell are practically the same. The lower costal arches form an obtuse angle. The shoulder blades are smoothed. The distance between the ribs has been reduced. The abdominal region is longer than the thoracic region. The hypersthenic form is typical for short people.
3. Asthenic. Long chest with an acute angle between the costal arches and a large distance between the ribs. The shoulder blades are clearly visible. The thoracic region is much longer than the abdominal region. The muscular frame is poorly developed. The asthenic type is characteristic of tall people.

Normal shape of the chest in humans

The asthenic frame is characterized by weak muscles and bones, is more prone to fractures and does not protect organs as well as other types.

Pathologies

The osteochondral frame does not always have the correct structure. Sometimes during the development of the body under the influence of disease or genetic predisposition, it takes on an irregular shape. What do such pathologies look like?

Severe atrophy of the muscular skeleton

Emphysematous chest is characterized by a barrel-shaped arching of the body

Types of pathology:

1. Paralytic. This type is similar to the asthenic structure, but is distinguished by pronounced atrophy of the muscular skeleton, asymmetrical arrangement of the clavicles and shoulder blades, and different depths of the supraclavicular fossae. The chest is flat. Typically, this anomaly is diagnosed in patients with malnutrition, tuberculosis and Marfan syndrome. The paralytic anomaly most often occurs in women.
2. Emphysematous. This pathology is characterized by barrel-shaped arching of the frame (especially its posterior surface) and an increase in the distance between the ribs. Typically, such deformation occurs due to emphysema, due to which the volume of the lungs greatly increases.
3. Rachitic (keeled). With this pathology, the distance from the spine to the sternum increases and the frame takes on a convex shape forward. The ribs on the sides seem to be pressed inward, which is why the lower costal arches form a very sharp angle. The cartilages connecting the costal plates to the sternum become very thick at the points of articulation with the rib; this phenomenon is given the name “rachitic rosary”. These “rosary beads” are an age-related feature, and they stick out only in children when the body grows. Sometimes with this pathology, the cartilage of vertebrae 5-7 grows. It looks like lines protruding from under the skin, forming triangles.
4. The frame has a large funnel-shaped or scaphoid depression at the front. With this pathology, vital organs in the chest area are displaced and compressed, and their work is disrupted. This type of pathology is the most common and usually occurs in men.

Common chest pathology

Rickets - bulging chest

Any form of deformation entails damage internal organs and disruption of their functioning.

The chest is formed by many factors: the presence or absence of diseases, profession, age, gender and even emotional state. Indeed, the osteochondral framework is a unique structure, the health of which depends not only on genetic predisposition, but also on a person’s lifestyle and thoughts.

The rib cage is a natural internal shell designed to protect vital organs from damage, bruises or injury. The chest cavity contains the heart, arteries and veins, thymus, bronchi, esophagus, and liver. The respiratory muscles and muscles of the upper limbs are attached to it.

Structure of the human chest

The chest is formed by:

• 12 pairs of arched ribs, connected at the back to the thoracic spine, and at the front connected to the sternum using costal cartilages.
• The sternum is an unpaired bone with an elongated shape. It is characterized by a convexity on the front surface and a concavity on the back. Includes three parts: handle, body and
• Muscles.

It is flexible, meaning it expands and contracts as you breathe.

Types of chest

The size and shape are variable and may change depending on the degree of development of the muscles and lungs. And the degree of development of the latter is closely related to a person’s life activity, his activity and profession. The normal shape of the chest has three types:

• flat;
• cylindrical;
• conical.

Flat chest shape

It is often found in people with weak muscles and leading a passive lifestyle. It is long and flattened in anteroposterior diameter, the anterior wall is almost vertical, the clavicles are clearly visible, and the intercostal spaces are wide.

Conical chest shape

This wide and short chest shape is characteristic of people with a well-developed shoulder girdle muscle group. Its lower part is wider than the upper. The inclination of the ribs and intercostal spaces are small.

Cylindrical chest shape

This chest shape is normally found in short people. It is round, the same along its entire length. The horizontal arrangement of the ribs explains the unclear intercostal spaces. The inframammary angle is obtuse. People, professionally, have exactly this breast shape.

Age and physiological characteristics

The shape of a person's chest changes significantly with age. Newborns are characterized by a narrow and shortened shape of a truncated pyramid. It is slightly compressed from the sides. The transverse size is smaller than the anteroposterior one. teaching him to crawl and stand up, the development of the musculoskeletal system and the growth of the internal organs determine the rapid growth of the chest. The shape of the chest in children in the third year of life becomes cone-shaped. At 6-7 years of age, growth slows down slightly, and an increase in the angle of inclination of the ribs is observed. Children school age They have a more convex chest shape than adults, and the slope of the ribs is also less. This is associated with the more frequent and shallow breathing of younger schoolchildren. In boys, the chest begins to grow rapidly at the age of 12, in girls - 11 years. In the period up to 18 years, the middle part of the chest changes the most.

The shape of the chest in children largely depends on the position of the body during landing. Physical activity and regular exercise will help increase the volume and width of the chest. The expiratory form will be the result of weak muscles and poorly developed lungs. Incorrect sitting, resting on the edge of the table, can lead to changes in the shape of the chest, which will negatively affect the development and function of the heart, lungs and large vessels.

Reducing the size, lowering and changing the shape of the chest in older people is associated with a decrease in the elasticity of the costal cartilages and frequent diseases respiratory tract and kyphotic curvature.

The male chest is larger than the female and has a more pronounced rib curve at the angle. In women, the spiral-shaped twisting of the ribs is more pronounced. Due to this, a flatter shape and the predominance of chest breathing are obtained. Men have an abdominal type of breathing, which is accompanied by a displacement of the diaphragm.

The chest and its movements

The respiratory muscles play an active role in the process of inhalation and exhalation.
Inhalation is carried out by contracting the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles, which, lifting the ribs, move them slightly to the sides, increasing the volume of the chest. Exhalation of air is accompanied by relaxation of the respiratory muscles, lowering of the ribs, and raising of the dome of the diaphragm. The lungs perform a passive function in this process, following the moving walls.

Types of breathing

Depending on the age and development of the chest, there are:

• This is the name for the breathing of newborns who do not yet have a good bend of the ribs, and they are in a horizontal position, the intercostal muscles are weak.
• Thoracic breathing with a predominance of diaphragmatic breathing is observed in children in the second half of the first year of life, when the intercostal muscles begin to strengthen and the ore cell begins to descend downwards.
• The pectoral girdle begins to predominate in children from 3 to 7 years of age, when the shoulder girdle is actively developing.
• After seven years, gender differences in breathing patterns appear. Abdominal will predominate in boys, thoracic in girls.

Pathological forms of the chest

Pathologies are most often noticed by patients. They can be congenital (associated with impaired bone development during pregnancy) or acquired (a consequence of injuries and diseases of the lungs, bones, and spine). Deformations and distortions are usually revealed by a simple examination of the chest. The shape and its changes, asymmetry, and irregular breathing allow an experienced doctor to make a preliminary diagnosis. The shape of the chest becomes irregular under the influence of pathological processes in the organs of the chest cavity and with curvature of the spine. Pathological forms of the chest can be:

• Barrel-shaped. This deviation is found in people whose lung tissue has increased airiness, that is, its elasticity and strength are impaired. This is accompanied by an increased air content in the alveoli. The barrel-shaped chest has an expanded transverse and, especially, anteroposterior diameter, with horizontally located ribs and wide intercostal spaces.
• Paralytic. This chest looks flat and narrow. The collarbones are pronounced and located asymmetrically. The shoulder blades clearly lag behind the chest, their location is at different levels and during the breathing process they shift asynchronously. The location of the ribs is oblique downward. Paralytic forms of the chest occur in emaciated people, in people with poor constitutional development, and in people with severe chronic diseases, such as tuberculosis.
• Rachitic. This shape is also called keel-shaped or chicken-shaped. It is characterized by a significant increase in anteroposterior size, which is a consequence of rickets suffered in childhood. The keel shape also occurs as a result of a genetic deviation in the development of the skeletal system. Bone protrusion may or may not be significant. The severity of the pathology affects the secondary symptoms of the disease that arise due to compression of the heart and lungs.

• Funnel-shaped. This type of pathology is expressed in a noticeable retraction of individual zones: ribs, cartilage, sternum. The depth of the funnel can reach 8 cm. A pronounced funnel-shaped deformity is accompanied by displacement of the heart, curvature of the spine, problems in lung function, and changes in arterial and venous pressure. U infants the pathology is little noticeable, only when inhaling is there a slight depression in the chest area. It becomes more pronounced as it grows.
• Scaphoid. Characteristic of this pathology is the presence of an elongated depression in the middle and upper part of the sternum. Develops in children suffering from diseases nervous system, in which motor functions and sensitivity are impaired. Severe deformity is accompanied by shortness of breath, fatigue, intolerance to physical activity, and rapid heartbeat.
• Kyphoscoliotic. It develops against the background of diseases of the spine, namely the thoracic region, or is a consequence of traumatic injury.

Evolution has ensured that the most important organs of the human body are protected by the chest. The chest cavity contains organs without which we cannot survive for even a few minutes. A rigid bone frame not only protects, but also fixes them in a constant position, ensuring stable operation and our satisfactory condition.