Brjósthol

Brjósthol, known in English as the thoracic cavity, is the chamber within the human body that houses vital organs such as the heart and lungs. It is a part of the thoracic region of the anterior body, situated between the neck and the diaphragm. The thoracic cavity is enclosed by the rib cage, which is composed of ribs, costal cartilages, thoracic vertebrae, and the sternum.

Anatomically, brjósthol is divided into left and right pleural cavities, each surrounding a lung, and the mediastinum, which contains the heart, thymus, esophagus, trachea, and large blood vessels. The boundaries of the thoracic cavity include the superior thoracic aperture (thoracic inlet) at the top, bordered by the first thoracic vertebra, first pair of ribs, and the manubrium of the sternum; and the inferior thoracic aperture (thoracic outlet) at the bottom, bordered by the twelfth thoracic vertebra, last ribs, and the xiphoid process of the sternum.

The thoracic cavity plays a crucial role in respiratory and cardiovascular functions. During respiration, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles facilitate breathing by changing the volume of the cavity, thereby causing air to flow into or out of the lungs. The cavity also provides protection for the thoracic organs against mechanical injury.

Clinical significance of the brjósthol includes its susceptibility to traumatic injuries, infections, and diseases such as thoracic tumors, pleuritis, and lung conditions. Understanding its anatomy is essential for medical diagnosis, surgical procedures, and treatment of various thoracic conditions.