The Thoracic Cage: Bony Protection for Heart and Lungs
The thoracic cage is a bony enclosure formed by:
- Sternum (manubrium, body, xiphoid) anteriorly.
- 12 pairs of ribs laterally (true, false, floating).
- 12 thoracic vertebrae posteriorly.
It shields the heart, lungs, great vessels, thymus, and esophagus. Rib movement (bucket‑handle, pump‑handle) drives ventilation.
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