Fig. 328.
Shews from below the cervico-thoracic septum constituting the roof of the thorax, and giving passage to the great vessels. It represents a transverse and horizontal section through the second intervertebral disc, and parts at the same level.
- A, second dorsal vertebra.
- B, transverse division of the manubrium sterni.
- C, first ribs.
- D, vertebral extremity of second ribs.
- a, a, fascia, extending between the great vessels and first two ribs.
- b, b, its insertion at the first ribs.
- c, c, its insertion at the second vertebræ.
- d, d, lamina between the great vessels, attached centrally to them,—in front to the sternum, where it forms a cul-de-sac,—and behind to the second dorsal vertebra.
- e, the aponeurosis, extending within the sternum.
- f, the trachea.
- g, the œsophagus.
- h, the arteria innominata.
- i, the right vena innominata.
- k, the left vena innominata; transverse band uniting the two sides of the aponeurosis.
- l, the left carotid artery.
- m, the left subclavian artery.
- n, section of the musc. long. colli.
cordance with the general law of its arrangement for the separation of muscles; is destitute of any particular surgical interest, and forms no exception to the general observations given in a preceding article. (See Back.)
A portion (but a very distinct portion) of this great aponeurosis is the pre-vertebral fascia. It extends from the occiput—to which it is fixed in front of the recti capitis antici—to the inlet of the chest, where it adheres, beside the longus colli, to the neck of the first rib; it binds down the pre-vertebral muscles, it attached deeply to the tips of the transverse processes, and receives by its surface a septal slip from the cervical fascia just externally to the sheath of the vessels. An important process is
