Chest
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
- muscles
- major and minor pectoral muscles
- trapezius muscles and neck
- internal structures
- arteries and veins
- bones
- external structures
- 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
In insects and other creatures with an exoskeleton, the area corresponding to the chest is called 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
- ^ Shahani, Rohit, MD. (2005). Penetrating Chest Trauma. eMedicine. Retrieved 2005-02-05.
See also
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