thorax (redirected from thoracic)

thorax, body division found in certain animals. In humans and other mammals it lies between the neck and abdomen and is also called the chest. The skeletal frame of the thorax is formed by the sternum (breastbone) and ribs in front and the dorsal vertebrae in back. Within the thoracic cavity are the heart, lungs, and esophagus. The chest and abdominal cavities are separated by a muscular structure, the diaphragm. In insects and other arthropods the thorax is a body division consisting of several segments lying between the head and abdomen, to which are attached legs or other appendages.

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thorax

1. the part of the human body enclosed by the ribs

2. the corresponding part in other vertebrates

3. the part of an insect's body between the head and abdomen, which bears the wings and legs

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thorax [′thȯr‚aks]

(anatomy)

The chest; the cavity of the mammalian body between the neck and the diaphragm, containing the heart, lungs, and mediastinal structures. Also known as thoracic cavity.

(invertebrate zoology)

The middle of three principal divisions of the body of certain classes of arthropods.