The thoracic region refers to the chest area of the body. More specifically, "thoracic" can refer to:
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The Thoracic Cavity: This is the space within the chest, enclosed by the rib cage, muscles of the chest wall, and the diaphragm. It begins below the neck and ends at the bottom of the ribcage. The thoracic cavity houses vital organs such as the heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels.
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The Thoracic Spine: This is the middle segment of the vertebral column, located between the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spine. It consists of 12 vertebrae (T1-T12), each of which articulates with a pair of ribs. The thoracic spine provides support for the rib cage and protects the spinal cord.
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Structures associated with the chest: The term "thoracic" is also used to describe structures located in or related to the chest region, such as:
- Thoracic aorta
- Thoracic duct
- Thoracic nerves
In summary, "thoracic" refers to the chest region and can denote the cavity, spine, or any structure located within that area.
