ABSTRACT
The thorax has a conotruncal shape. Its upper borders are represented by the clavicles and the neck; it is limited inferiorly by the diaphragm, laterally by the ribs, and anteriorly by the sternum. Posteriorly, the shoulder blades can be seen in strict relationship with the ribs and the clavicles. In the thorax, the following regions/ organs can be identified: the lungs, which extend from the diaphragm to the upper border, just below the clavicles; the heart, which is located in the lower mediastinum and lies on the surface of the diaphragm; and the mediastinum, with the great vessels and the thymus, larger in the fetus than in the neonate. The bony outline, represented by the rib cage, and the overlying soft tissues complete the thoracic area. In this chapter, normal and abnormal anatomy of thoracic viscera are described. The heart and the great vessels are described in Chapter 5.
