Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Cross Section at T12–L1, Intervertebral Disc Anatomy
Stomach in Situ Anatomy
Monday, October 5, 2026
Pulmonary Agenesis, Aplasia, and Hypoplasia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Nephrotic Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Pathophysiology and Treatment
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Skin Embryology: Development of the Epidermis, Dermis, Hair and Nails
Friday, October 2, 2026
Thorax Anatomy: Thoracic Cage, Lungs, Mediastinum, Heart & Major Structures
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| LUNGS IN SITU: ANTERIOR VIEW |
Thorax
Before describing the anatomy of the heart, it is helpful to review other anatomic features of the thoracic cavity and organs. The thorax proper constitutes the upper part of the body or trunk, with a shape between a barrel and a truncated cone that is functionally favorable. Although the intrathoracic pressure is often subatmospheric, the chest wall is still able to retain its integrity by means of rather thin, lightweight skeletal elements. The thoracic cavity occupies only the upper part of the thoracic cage. The abdominal (peritoneal) cavity reaches upward as high as the lower tip of the sternum, affording protection to large, easily injured abdominal organs such as the liver, spleen, stomach, and kidneys.
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Granuloma Inguinale (Donovanosis): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Thoracolumbar and Sacral Spine Anatomy: Vertebrae, Discs & Ligaments
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| THORACIC VERTEBRAE AND LIGAMENTS |
ANATOMY OF THE THORACOLUMBAR AND SACRAL SPINE
THORACIC
VERTEBRAE AND LIGAMENTS
The 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1 to T12) are intermediate in size between the smaller cervical and the larger lumbar vertebrae. The heart-shaped vertebral bodies are slightly taller posteriorly than anteriorly, producing a slight wedge shape (see Plate 1-17). Vertebrae are easily recognized by their costal facets on both sides of the bodies and on all the transverse processes except those of T11 and T12. The costal facets articulate with the facets on the heads and tubercles of the corresponding ribs. The spinal canal is smaller and more rounded than in the cervical spine and corresponds to the more circular shape of the spinal cord in the thoracic region. The spinal canal is formed by the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies and by the pedicles and laminae forming the vertebral arches. The stout pedicles are directed posteriorly; they have shallow superior and much deeper inferior vertebral notches. The laminae are short and relatively thick and partially overlap each other from above downward.









