Ch. 22 Chest and Abdomen

Objectives Describe the anatomy of the thoracic cavity. Describe the structures and functions of the

organs and respiration. Explain the breathing and respiratory process. Discuss the significance of chest and

abdominal injuries. List and describe the various injuries

associated with the thoracic cavity. List and describe the various injuries

associated with abdominal cavity.

Thoracic Cavity Diaphragm up,

sternum to vertebrae Left and right pleural

cavity Tissue and organs

Esophagus Bronchi Lungs Trachea Thymus gland Heart—Pericaridal

cavity

Ribs and Sternum Sternum

Manubrium, body, Xiphoid process

Ribs (12 pairs total) 7 pairs of true ribs

Connected by cartilage to the sternum

3 pairs of false ribs Connected to the 7th rib

by cartilage 2 pairs of floating ribs

Respiratory System Structures

responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide

Also responsible for the production of sound through the vocal cords

Respiratory System Nasal Cavity: intakes air, filtered by cilia Pharynx: throat, common passageway for food

and air Epiglottis

Larynx: voice box Trachea: windpipe Bronchi: tubes that bring air to lungs Alveolar Sacs: oxygen and carbon dioxide

exchange occurs

Lungs 2 lungs Right lung is larger

Divided into superior, middle, and inferior lobes

Left lung is smaller Divided into superior

and inferior lobes

Asthma Muscles around the airways spasm and lining

inside the airway swells Make it difficult to move air in and out Triggered by environmental factors or exercise S/S: coughing, wheezing, dyspnea Treat with bronchodilators such as albuterol

Asthma

Rib Contusion Caused by forceful

blow to ribcage that bruises intercostal muscles

Pain with inhalation and exhalation

Must monitor athlete and check for signs of shock

Flail Chest Caused by 3 or more

consecutive rib fx on the same side

Movements of breathing will be paradoxical

Fractured ribs could puncture organs

Refer to dr immediately

Sudden Death Syndrome Usually caused by

some form of heart disease

Most common is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Marfan’s syndrome, and congenital heart disease

Give CPR until EMS arrives

Pneumothorax Air enters thoracic

cavity between chest wall and lung

Difference in pressure causes lung to collapse

Occurs when something penetrates the skin or lung tears from intense impact

Spontaneous and tension

Tension Pneumothorax Air enters but cannot

exit. Air accumulates with

each breath Lung will begin

pressing on other lung and heart

Sucking Chest Wound Air moves through

the space outside the lung

As air passes wound, it makes a sucking sound

Treatment: seal wound on three sides with occlusive dressing