Preoperative Considerations on the Thorax: Anatomy and Surgical Landmarks

The thoracic wall is the higher part of the thorax consisting of a musculoskeletal structure including the mediastinum, the pleuropulmonary cavities, viscera, lymphatic, vascular, and nervous structures. Its dimensions are influenced by age, gender, and life style including physical training. It changes constantly in shape and size according to respiration: Generally, males show an abdominal pattern while females have usually a thoracic respiration pattern. The anatomy of the chest differs between men and women, with considerable variations among different ages and races. The skin is thicker in male than in female. In the male thorax, hair is frequently present and the mammary glands are un…