Anatomy and Physiology of Children and Adolescents - M. R. Sapin 2007

Musculoskeletal system
Bones of the trunk and their articulations
Thorax — Age-related features of the thorax

In newborns, the rib cage is cone-shaped. The anteroposterior diameter is greater than the transverse diameter, and the Ribs lie almost horizontally. Rapid growth of the chest occurs During the first two years of life. At ages 6–7, growth slows down, while between 7 and 18 years, the middle section of the chest experiences the most intensive growth.

The infrasternal angle in a newborn reaches approximately 93°, dropping to 68° after a year, reaching 60° at age 5, and measuring about 70° by age 15 and in adulthood. Accelerated chest growth begins at age 11 in girls and age 12 in boys. By 17–20 years of age, the rib cage acquires its final shape.

In old age, due to an increase in thoracic Kyphosis, the rib cage shortens and descends.

Physical exercises not only strengthen the chest Muscles but also increase the range of motion in the JOINTS OF THE ribs, leading to a greater respiratory volume of the chest and increased vital capacity of the Lungs.

Review and Self-Assessment Questions:

1. Name the parts of a vertebra.

2. What TYPES OF JOINTS exist between two adjacent vertebrae? Name and describe these joints.

3. List the regions of THE Vertebral Column and state the number of vertebrae in each region.

4. Name the physiological curves of the vertebral column. Where are these curves located, and what Functions do they perform?

5. Describe The Structure of a rib and name its parts.

6. Classify the ribs according to their arrangement and attachment to the Sternum.

7. What parts are distinguished in the sternum?

8. Describe the STRUCTURE OF THE rib cage: its walls, apertures, and external shapes.

9. Describe the age-related Changes in the Vertebral Column and the rib cage.