Humans and Other Hominids
In hominids, the chest is the region of the body between the neck and the abdomen, along with its internal organs and other contents. It is mostly protected and supported by the ribcage, spine, and shoulder girdle. Contents of the chest include the following:
- organs
- heart
- lungs
- Thymus
- muscles
- major and minor pectoral muscles
- trapezius muscles and neck
- internal structures
- diaphragm
- esophagus
- trachea
- xiphoid process
- arteries and veins
- aorta
- superior vena cava
- inferior vena cava
- pulmonary artery
- bones
- the shoulder socket containing the upper part of the humerus
- scapula
- sternum
- thoracic portion of the spine
- collarbone
- ribcage
- Floating ribs
- external structures
- nipples
- mammary glands
- The V of the chest is the area exposed by open-necked shirts.
- thoracic abdomen (stomach, kidney/adrenal, pancreas, spleen, and lower oesophagus)
In humans, the portion of the chest protected by the ribcage is also called the thorax.
Read more about this topic: Chests, Chest Anatomy
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