This dissection will give you an appreciation of the thoracic wall, the surfaces and recesses of the pleural cavities and the superior mediastinum.

Basic concepts:
You may wish to review the basic concepts for the thorax at this time. The link opens a new window which you will need to close to return to this page.

Specific Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the skeletal components and the joints that exist between these components
2. List the contents of the intercostal spaces and their relationships (e.g. VAN).
3. Recall the arterial supply, venous drainage and innervation of the thoracic wall.
4. Describe the boundaries of the thorax, its inlet and outlet.
5. Explain the layers of the pleural cavities as well as their reflections and recesses.
6. Recognize the boundries of the mediastinum and the contents of each division.
7. Demonstrate the relationships of structures in the mediastinum. Know the relationships of the great vessels.
8. Describe the surface projections of the margins of the heart, and its valves. How do the auscultation points differ from the surface projections of the valves.
9. Visualize the course of the phrenic and vagus nerves and their relationships to mediastinal structures.
10. Identify anatomic structures in radiographic studies including X-ray, CT scans and MRI films.

Difficult parts of the dissection:

1. After dissecting the internal thoracic artery and one or more intercostal spaces be sure to remove the rib cage leaving as much parietal pleura intact as possible. See Step 1.
2. Put your sharp instruments away for the rest of the dissection.