Thoracic plane

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thoracic plane
Mediastinum
Dorlands/Elsevier	p_22/12644277

The thoracic plane is a plane used to divide the mediastinum into a superior mediastinum and inferior mediastinum.

This plane runs through the level of the sternal angle, (which is the joint between the manubrium and body of the sternum), between the intervertebral disc of T4 and T5. ^[1][2][3]

The superior mediastinum extends superiorly above this plane, while the inferior mediastinum extends inferiorly. The inferior mediastinum is further divided into the posterior, middle and anterior compartments of the mediatinum.

[edit] Significant findings at the level of the thoracic plane:

1. The start (where the aortic arch comes out of the heart) and end of the arch of the aorta (where the arch of the aorta becomes the descending aorta)

2. The upper margin of the superior vena cava ^[4]

3. The crossing of the thoracic duct

4. The bifurcation of the trachea ^[5]

5. The bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk

6. The level of the Sternal Angle

7. The level of Rib 2 where it attaches to the sternum

8. The body of vertebrae T4

[edit] References

1. ^ Thoracic Wall, Pleura, and Pericardium - Dissector Answers
2. ^ Untitled Document
3. ^ UAMS Department of Anatomy - Topographical Anatomy - Thorax
4. ^ RADIOGRAPHIC LANDMARKS OF THE UPPER MARGIN OF THE SUPERIOR VENA CAVA (SVC) IN CHILDREN. - Arai et al. 49 (Supplement 1): 32 - Canadian Journal of Anesthesia
5. ^ UAMS Department of Anatomy - Viscera of the Thorax

v • d • e General anatomy of torso Thorax/ Thoracic cavity Mediastinum (Superior, Anterior, Middle, Posterior) • Superior thoracic aperture • Inferior thoracic aperture • Triangle of auscultation • Intercostal space • Thoracic plane • Thoracic wall/Thoracic cage - fascia (Pectoral fascia, Clavipectoral fascia, Thoracolumbar fascia) • Chest • Midsternal line Thoracic diaphragm openings (Caval opening, Esophageal hiatus, Aortic hiatus, Foramina of Morgagni) • Central tendon • Crus of diaphragm • arcuate ligaments (Lateral, Medial, Median) Abdomen/ Abdominal cavity Retroperitoneum • Paracolic gutters • Hepatobiliary triangle anterior abdominal wall (Arcuate line, Linea alba, Tendinous intersection, Linea semilunaris, McBurney's point, Traube's space, Inguinal triangle) • Inguinal canal (Deep inguinal ring, Superficial inguinal ring, Intercrural fibers, Crura of superficial inguinal ring) • Lumbar triangle • regions (Epigastrium, Hypochondrium, Umbilical region, Latus, Hypogastrium, Inguinal region) • planes (Transpyloric plane, Intertubercular plane, Midclavicular line) fascia (Fascia of Camper, Fascia of Scarpa, Transversalis fascia, Renal fascia, Rectus sheath) Pelvis/ Pelvic cavity Pelvic floor • Retropubic space fascia (Pelvic fascia, Superior fascia of diaphragm of pelvis, Inferior fascia of diaphragm of pelvis, Fascia of the Obturator internus, Tendinous arch, Iliac fascia, Iliopectineal fascia) Perineum Anal triangle (Ischioanal fossa, Pudendal canal, Anococcygeal raphe) Urogenital triangle (Superficial perineal pouch, Deep perineal pouch) Perineal body fascia (Dartos/fascia of perineum/superficial perineal fascia/Fascia of Colles, Perineal membrane/"Inferior fascia of UGD", "Superior fascia of UGD")

v • d • e Anatomical planes Sagittal plane Median plane - Midclavicular line Transverse plane Thoracic plane - Transpyloric plane - Subcostal plane - Umbilical plane - Intertubercular plane - Interspinous plane Coronal plane Sternal plane - Midcoronal plane