Chest and Throat Injuries

In this chapter we discuss anatomy and injuries to the structures that assist and provide respiration, the bony anatomy of the thorax and injuries to the sternum and ribs. Injuries to the heart, with the exception of myocardial contusion, are not included in these discussions. The esophagus (the gullet) is located mainly in the thorax but as it functions as part of the digestive system, it is discussed in Chapter 5 dealing with abdominal injuries and injuries to the digestive system.