Teaching slides for session: Thoracic inlet boundaries
Summary
This on-demand teaching session is invaluable to medical professionals hoping to refine their fundamental understanding of the anatomical structure and functioning of the human thoracic inlet and outlet. The session intends to explain in detail the boundaries of both, in addition to outlining the various structures that pass between them, like the trachea, oesophagus and nerves, such as the vagus and phrenic nerve. Further, the course explores thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition where the structures passing through the superior thoracic aperture are compressed leading to various signs. Understanding these often overlooked aspects of the body are crucial for those hoping to excel in the medical field.
Learning objectives
- Identify and discuss the anatomical landmarks that make up the thoracic inlet and outlet.
- Understand and describe the key structures that pass through the thoracic inlet.
- Understand and describe the key structures that pass through the thoracic outlet.
- Explain the potential clinical significance of abnormalities at the thoracic inlet and outlet, including thoracic outlet syndrome.
- Assess the symptoms and potential causes of thoracic outlet syndrome, including enlargement of the scalene muscles, tumors, and repetitive strain injuries.
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Thoracic inlet boundariesILO’s 1. Describe the boundaries of the thoracic inlet and outlet 2. Describe the structures that pass between the inlets and outlet Do you have the document with all the ILOs?•Thoracic inlet = Superior thoracic aperture •Thoracic outlet = Inferior thoracic apertureBoundaries Superior thoracic aperture : Manubrium of the sternum Laterally, each 1 rib Posteriorly, T1 vertebral body Inferior thoracic aperture Costal margin (Costal cartilage of ribs 7-10) Xiphoid process th 12 pair of ribs T12 vertebral bodyWhat passes through the thoracic inlet • Trachea • Oesophagus • Common carotid • Brachiocephalic • Vagus nerve • Phrenic nerve • Thoracic duct What passes through the thoracic outlet • Oesophagus • Aorta • Inferior Vena Cava • Thoracic duct • Vagus nerve • Splanchnic nervesThoracic outlet syndrome • When the structures which pass through the superior thoracic aperture are compressed • For example when the scalene muscles enlarge they could compress the brachial plexus giving different neurological signs in the upper limb • It could also be a tumour, or unknown growth, or repetitive strain injury which could cause compression of these structures