Thorax, Definition, Anatomy, Compartments
The thorax is the region between the abdomen inferiorly and the root of the neck superiorly. The thorax forms from the thoracic wall, its superficial structures and the thoracic cavity. Read the article to know more.
Nivedita Dar30 Jul, 2024
Share
Thorax is an air tight chamber which means air cannot leave or enter it. So when lungs expand and contract inside the thorax a vacuum is created thus helping in breathing. Any puncture trauma to thorax thus can compromise the vital lung functions. Thorax also houses the heart and its major vessels, airtight nature has variety of forces which influence the physiology of the circulatory system.
In humans the thorax is the region of body formed by the sternum, the thoracic vertebrae and the ribs. It extends from the neck to the diaphragm and does not include the upper limbs. It’s also contains major neurovasculature and digestive system organs like esophagus.Compartments
There are two compartments basically in thorax namely pleural and mediastinal compartments. There are two pleural cavities which respectively contain the left and the right lungs and pleura. The mediastinum is central and found between two bilateral pleural cavities.Pleural Cavity
The pleural cavity is a space between the visceral and parietal pleural. The space contains a tiny amount of serous fluid, which has two key functions. The serous fluid continuously lubricates the pleural surface and makes its easy for them to slide over each other during lung inflation and deflation.Mediastinum
The mediastinum extends to the inner border of the sternum anteriorly, the inner border of thoracic vertebrae bodies posteriorly and spans the full length of the thoracic cavity.Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a important muscle for respiratory function. The diaphragm forms the inferior border of thoracic cavity separating the abdomen from thorax. As the muscle contracts, it increases the volume of the thoracic cavity resulting in inspiration. Later in pregnancy, the developing baby can raise the volume of the abdominal cavity, thereby reducing the vital capacity.Thorax FAQs
What is situs invertus?
Situs inversus is a rare congenital condition where the visceral thoracic and abdominal organs are inverted in the vertical axis.This condition results in the heart and stomach being predominantly on the right side while the liver and gallbladder are on the left.
What is dextrocardia?
Dextrocardia is a rare congenital condition where only the heart has inverted in the vertical axis. Although dextrocardia usually does not present with symptoms, other heart abnormalities are commonly present.
What is pectus excavatum?
It is a congenital abnormality of the thoracic cavity causing depressed sternum. Patients are typically asymptomatic, but some might experience limitations in physical activity.
What is a thoracic sympathetic chain?
The sympathetic chain trunk lies just lateral to the vertebral bolides for the entire length of the vertebral column.The sympathetic trunk permits preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic nervous system to ascend.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.
