Brystet

Brystet is a term used in Scandinavian languages to refer to the chest area. In Norwegian, brystet is the definite form of bryst, meaning the chest or breast; in Swedish the corresponding definite form is bröstet. The word can denote the broad chest wall and thorax, or, depending on context, the breast tissue itself.

Anatomy and location define brystet as the region of the thorax that lies between the neck and the abdomen. The chest wall includes the rib cage (ribs and sternum) and the thoracic vertebrae, along with muscles such as the pectoralis major and minor. The heart and lungs reside within the thoracic cavity, protected by the rib cage and sternum, with the diaphragm forming the lower boundary.

Functionally, the chest protects vital organs and supports respiration, serving as a frame for the upper body and facilitating movement of the shoulders and arms. In women, breast tissue lies anterior to the chest wall; the mammary glands produce milk during lactation, and breast shape and size can vary due to genetics, hormones, and age.

Variation and health considerations are common in both men and women. Chest musculature, skin, and contour vary among individuals. Chest injuries and chest pain are medical concerns that may require evaluation. Breast health is regularly monitored in many health systems, with screening and clinical assessment used to detect and manage breast-related conditions.