The thoracic cavity, commonly referred to as the rib cage, of the human being is an enclosure closed by the bones of the rib cage, spine, ribs, clavicles and sternum, connected by muscles and muscles. fascia. It is closed at the bottom by the diaphragm.

Changes in intrathoracic pressure can affect the respiratory and circulatory systems.

This chamber contains, among other things, the lungs and the mediastinum.

The walls of the thoracic cavity are tight, but are crossed at the top by the trachea, the esophagus, the blood and lymphatic vessels; and below by the inferior vena cava, the aorta and the thoracic duct.

The volume of the thoracic cavity varies with the action of the respiratory muscles, during the different respiratory cycles.

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