The word "thoracic" (θəˈræsɪk) is a medical term that refers to the chest area of the body. The first syllable "thor-" is spelled with the voiceless dental fricative sound "θ" which is pronounced like "th" in the English word "thin". The second syllable "-ac" is spelled with the short "a" sound and the consonant sound "k". Remembering the IPA phonetic transcription, helps to correctly spell words like "thoracic" which may have unfamiliar spelling patterns.
Thoracic refers to a term primarily used in anatomy and medicine to describe something related to or located in the thorax, which is the region of the body between the neck and the abdomen. Specifically, it pertains to the chest or the upper part of the torso. The thoracic region is crucial as it houses and protects vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels.
In a more specific sense, thoracic can also encompass detailed aspects of the chest. For instance, the thoracic vertebrae are the bones that make up the middle section of the spinal column, offering structural support to the chest. Additionally, the thoracic cavity refers to the hollow space within the chest, encompassing the aforementioned organs.
When used to describe medical conditions or procedures, thoracic can refer to diseases, injuries, or surgeries that involve the chest region. Examples include thoracic surgery, which involves surgical interventions within the chest, and thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition characterized by the compression of nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet. Moreover, thoracic may be used to describe imaging techniques like the thoracic X-ray, which is a diagnostic tool used to visualize the structures within the chest.
Overall, the term thoracic denotes anything related to the chest area, encompassing both its anatomical structures and the medical conditions associated with it.
Relating to the thorax.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Of or relating to the thorax.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "thoracic" comes from the Ancient Greek word "thōrakikós", which is derived from "thōráx" meaning "breastplate" or "chest". In Greek, "thōráx" was commonly used to refer to the chest or the area protected by a breastplate, and "thōrakikós" was formed from it to specifically describe something related to the chest or the thorax. The term eventually made its way into English as "thoracic", used to denote anything pertaining to the chest or the thoracic region of the body.