Chest anatomy

The chest is a part of the anatomy of humans and various other animals sometimes referred to as the thorax.

Chest anatomy - Humans and other hominids

In hominids, the chest is the region of the body between the neck and the abdomen, along with its internal organs and other contents. It is mostly protected and supported by the ribcage, spine, and shoulder girdle. Contents of the chest include the following:

• organs
  • heart
  • lungs
• muscles

An X-ray of a human chest area, with some structures labeled

• • major and minor pectoral muscles
  • trapezius muscles and neck
• internal structures
  • diaphragm
  • esophagus
  • trachea
  • xiphoid process
• arteries and veins
  • aorta
  • superior vena cava
  • inferior vena cava
  • pulmonary artery
• bones
  • the shoulder socket containing the upper part of the humerus
  • scapula
  • sternum
  • thoracic portion of the spine
  • collarbone
  • ribcage
  • Floating ribs
• external structures
  • nipples
  • mammary glands
• thoracic abdomen (stomach, kidney/adrenal, pancreas, spleen, and lower oesophagus)

In humans, the portion of the chest protected by the ribcage is also called the thorax.

Chest anatomy - Other animals

Drawing of an insect indicating position of the thorax

In four legged mammals, the mammary glands and nipples are located closer to the back legs, and are therefore not part of the chest. Otherwise, the anatomy contains similar internal organs in different configurations.

Chest injury

Injury to the chest (also referred to as chest trauma, thoracic injury, or thoracic trauma) results in up to ¼ of all deaths due to trauma in the United States.^[1]

References

See also

• Thoracic cavity
• Pectus excavatum
• Pectus carinatum
• Breast
• Chest hair
• Barechested

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