Chest

The chest (thorax) is a protective place for the body's vital organs, such as the heart and lungs. The chest consists of the sternum, twelve pairs of ribs and the vertebrae of the thoracic spine, which together form a strong yet flexible skeleton. The skeleton serves as a strong protection against external influences and is at the same time an attachment point for muscles involved in breathing and upper body movements.

Inside the chest is the heart, which pumps blood to the entire body, and the lungs in which gas exchange occurs during breathing. The respiratory muscle diaphragm forms the bottom of the chest and plays a major role in both inhalation and exhalation. In addition to the organs, the chest also houses large blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic vessels. The breast tissue in women, including the nipples, is also part of the chest and has both hormonal and functional roles.