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Surface anatomy of the thorax

 Surface anatomy and Markings

Surface Markings of the heart: 3-2 5.5-6

  • 3rd rib at right sternal edge
  • 2nd rib at left sternal edge
  • Apex: Mid clavicular line, 5th intercostal space (Apex beat - Mitral valve)
  • Right sternal edge 6th rib

Surface Markings of the pleura

  • Right pleura - 3cm above medial third of clavicle
  • Travels anteriorly to meet left pleura at sternum until 4th rib
  • Right pleura parasternal at 6th rib
  • Mid clavicular line at 8th rib
  • Mid-axillary line at 10th costal cartilage
  • Travels along 12th rib

(Lung corresponds to 2 ribs higher)

 

Surface Marking of the lung fissures

Oblique fissue - T3 to 6th costochondral junction
Horizontal fissure - from Oblique fissure in mid-axillary line to 4th costal cartilage

Veins of upper mediastinum

  1. Left brachiocephalic
  2. right brachiocephalic
  3. Formation of brachiocephalic veins posterior to sternoclavicular joints
  4. Formation of superior vena cava in 1st right intercostal space, just inferior to first costal cartilage 

 

 

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