30 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR NURSES 



thin triangular coronoid process in front, and an articular 

 condyloid process posteriorly. The constricted portion 

 beneath the condyle is termed the neck of the condyle. 

 The depression separating these two processes is called the 

 sigmoid notch, and is crossed by the mesSfcteric vessels and 

 nerve. This bone is one with whose location the nurse 

 should be familiar, as it is subject to many conditions that 

 require surgical attention. It is most liable to fracture, 

 and frequently becomes dislocated as the result of a very 

 light blow. It contains sockets for the reception of the 

 lower teeth. 



The hyoid bone, sometimes called the lingual bone, 

 is a bony arch shaped like a horseshoe. It supports the 

 tongue and gives attachment to numerous muscles. 



THORAX AND PELVIS 



The thorax is that part of the body that goes to make 

 up the chest. It forms a protection for the organs of 

 respiration and circulation, inclosing one of the cavities 

 of the trunk, known as the thoracic cavity. The thorax 

 is conic in form, and its osseocartilaginous framework is 

 formed by the thoracic vertebral bodies behind, the ribs 

 laterally, and the costal cartilages and sternum in front; 

 its base is formed by the diaphragm. Through its apex 

 pass the great cervical vessels, the pneumogastric, phrenic 

 and sympathetic nerves, the trachea, esophagus, thoracic 

 duct, and apices of the lungs covered by pleura. 



The sternum, popularly known as the breast-bone, is 

 divided into three parts the manubrium, or handle; the 

 gladiolus, or sword; and the ensiform, or xiphoid appendix. 

 The manubrium articulates with the clavicle and first rib ; 

 the gladiolus with cartilages of part of the second, all of 

 the third to sixth, and part of the seventh ribs on each side ; 

 the ensiform articulates with part of the seventh costal 

 cartilage and cartilages of the false ribs. 



