thoraxrelated

Thorax-related refers to topics concerning the thorax, or chest, encompassing its anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostics, and surgical management. The thoracic cavity is bounded anteriorly by the sternum, laterally by the ribs and intercostal muscles, posteriorly by the thoracic vertebrae, and inferiorly by the diaphragm. It contains the mediastinum, two pleural cavities, and the pericardial sac, with major contents including the heart and great vessels, the lungs and airways, the esophagus, thymus, and associated lymphatics.

The thorax houses the respiratory system and the heart, with functional compartments such as the anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinum. The diaphragm and intercostal muscles facilitate breathing, while the pleural spaces permit lung expansion. Pulmonary gas exchange and cardiovascular circulation depend on coordinated chest wall movement, pleural pressure dynamics, and intact mediastinal structures.

Clinical topics include acute and chronic diseases of the thorax, such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, pleural effusions, and pneumothorax, as well as trauma, rib fractures, and congenital thoracic anomalies. Diagnostic approaches emphasize chest radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound, along with endoscopic techniques like bronchoscopy.

Management may involve medical therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, chest tube insertion for pneumothorax or effusions, thoracentesis, and various thoracic surgical procedures, including minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Related fields include thoracic oncology, cardiothoracic surgery, and radiology. Developmentally, the thorax originates from mesodermal and endodermal derivatives, forming the heart, lungs, and chest wall structures.