Pump-handle is a movement of the ribs that results in a change in the anteroposterior diameter of the

thorax The thorax or chest is a part of the anatomy of humans, mammals, and other tetrapod animals located between the neck and the abdomen. In insects, crustaceans, and the extinct trilobites, the thorax is one of the three main divisions of the cre ...

Definition

One of the most important functions of the ribs and diaphragm is the change in volume of the

that helps inspiration and

expiration Expiration or expiration date may refer to: Expiration Expiration may refer to: *Death *Exhalation of breath, breathing out *Expiration (options), the legal termination of an option to take an action *Shelf life, or the time after which a product ...

. In general, the ribs move around two axes. The anterior end of the rib is lower than the posterior end; therefore, during elevation of the rib, the anterior end also moves forwards. Movement at

costovertebral joints The costovertebral joints are the joints that connect the ribs to the vertebral column. The articulation of the head of the rib connects the head of the rib to the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae. Structure The costotransverse joint connects t ...

2 to 6 about a side-to-side axis results in raising and lowering the

sternal The sternum or breastbone is a long flat bone located in the central part of the chest. It connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the rib cage, thus helping to protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from injury. Sh ...

end of the rib, the "pump-handle" movement. This occurs mostly in the vertebrosternal ribs. In elevation, this increases the anteroposterior diameter of the thorax.

References

*http://www.duhs.edu.pk {{Reflist

External links

Thorax (human anatomy) Respiration

Definition

See also

References

External links