Important Surface Land marks Of Thorax Human Body

Important Surface Land Marks Of Thorax

Sternal region : It is the middle portion of the anterior part of the chest,occupying along bone sternum.


Pectoral region :The pectoral region lies on the front of the chest laterally right & left . Breast is located at this region.


Suprasternal notch or jugular notch : Trachea can be palpable at this notch. It is also used as a point for different surface marking.


Sternal angle : It is felt as a transverse ridge about 5 cm below the suprasternal notch. It marks the manubriosternal joint.It is point for identification of various structures e.g. start and ending level for arch of aorta,trachea divides at this point,forms the plane for dividing mediastinum etc.It is also used as a point for different surface marking.


Xiphisternal joint : An imaginary vertical line at the level makes boundary of abdomen and thorax anteriorly .It is used as a point for different surface marking.

Scapula : Scapula overlies the 2nd -7th rib at posterior wall.

Thoracic vertebral spine : First thoracic vertebral spine felt at the lower part of the neck at back.

Midclavicular or lateral vertical or mammary palne : It is the vertical plane passing through mid inguinal point to middle point of clavicle. It is used as a point for different surface marking.


The Nipple : Position of nipple varies in female. In male it usually lies in the fourth intercostal space about 10cm from midsternal line.It is used as a point for different surface making.


Apex beat : It is a visible and palpable cardiac impulse. It located at left 5th intercostal space 9cm from midsternal line.