Injuries to the Chest and Abdomen Chapter 14 Injuries to the Chest and Abdomen

Chest Physiology Chest (or thorax) includes: Bony structures Twelve pairs of ribs, thoracic vertebrae, the sternum, the clavicles, and the scapula Heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea, major nerves and great vessels are protected by the thoracic cage

Chest Physiology Ribs and the diaphragm work together to bring oxygen into the body through the breathing process Oxygen and waste products are exchanged through blood cells that are transported throughout the body via blood vessels.

The Circulatory System Often referred to as cardiovascular system Heart and the blood vessels

The Circulatory System Divided into two parts: Pulmonary circulation–taking the blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart Systemic circulation–distributing the blood to all other parts of the body

Blood and Blood Cells Blood performs many important functions in sustaining life. Provides: Nourishment Hormones Vitamins Oxygen Heat to the tissues Blood removes waste products from tissues.

Blood and Blood Cells Blood is 78% water and about 22% solids. Fluid portion is called plasma Contains special proteins Fibrinogen and prothrombin Other substances in plasma include proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, sodium, gases, hormones, enzymes, etc.

Blood Cells Erythrocytes, red blood cells (RBCs) Make up most of the solids contained in blood Main function is to carry oxygen Red in color because of hemoglobin Contained within each red blood cell

Blood Cells Platelets (thrombocytes) Specialized type of blood cell Produced to help coagulate, or clot, blood

Blood Cells Leukocytes, white blood cells (WBCs) Two classifications Granulocytes Agranulocytes Produced in many locations throughout the body Main function is to fight infections Basis of the immune system

Blood Vessels Five types of blood vessels in the body: Arteries Arterioles Capillaries Veins Venules

Coronary Circulatory Path Average adult has 5 to 6 quarts of blood in the body Blood is circulated throughout the vascular system every 20 seconds. Accomplished by the incredible pumping capacity of the heart

The Lungs Largest organs of the chest Located within the pleural cavities of the thorax Main function To bring oxygen to the bloodstream and excrete carbon dioxide from the blood

The Lungs Blood is transported to the lungs through the pulmonary arteries and from the lungs to the heart by the pulmonary veins

Ribs Protect vital organs and great blood vessels Twelve pairs of ribs Muscle tissue, nerves, and blood vessels are between each rib Arrangement of the ribs is what provides the characteristic shape of the rib cage

The Respiratory System Carries oxygen from the atmosphere to the bloodstream Expels waste product carbon dioxide Parts of the system include: Nose Mouth Pharynx (throat) Larynx (voice box)

The Respiratory System Parts of the system include: Trachea Bronchial tubes Alveoli Lungs

Chest Injuries Myocardial contusions and aortic ruptures Fractures Pneumothorax Hemothorax Hyperventilation Flail chest

Chest Injuries Pulmonary contusions Blows to the solar plexus Chest contusions Side stitches

Overview of the Abdomen Abdominal cavity is separated from the thoracic cavity by the diaphragm Including organs from the digestive, reproductive, lymphatic, and urinary systems

Overview of the Abdomen Abdominal cavity is also separated into four quadrants Right upper Left upper Left lower Right lower

Overview of the Abdomen Cavity contains: Gallbladder Liver Stomach Female reproductive system Appendix Small intestine

Overview of the Abdomen Spleen Liver Kidney Bladder Pancreas

Injuries to the Organs of the Abdomen Contusions Ruptures and lacerations Shock Hernias