The thoracic girdle is an important part of the human anatomy, consisting of the sternum and the ribs. Its correct spelling is pronounced as /θəˈræsɪk ˈɡɜːrdl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "tho," is pronounced with a voiceless dental fricative, while the second syllable, "rac," is pronounced with a voiced alveolar fricative. The final syllable, "ic," is pronounced with a long "e" sound, and the last two letters, "le," are pronounced with a voiced alveolar lateral approximant.
The thoracic girdle refers to the skeletal framework that plays a crucial role in supporting and connecting the bones of the upper torso, specifically the chest or thoracic region. It encompasses the bones and joints responsible for connecting the upper limbs to the axial skeleton.
The primary components of the thoracic girdle are the sternum or breastbone, along with the pair of clavicles or collarbones. These bones form the anterior part of the thoracic girdle and contribute to its overall stability. In addition, the scapulae or shoulder blades are an integral part of the thoracic girdle, forming the posterior aspect and providing support and attachment for muscles involved in upper limb movement.
The thoracic girdle is significant in facilitating various movements and actions of the upper limbs, such as reaching, pushing, and throwing. It also provides a solid foundation for the joint structures, including the shoulder and collarbone joints. This framework allows for the wide range of motions exhibited by the upper limbs, while maintaining rigidity to support the weight and forces generated during activities.
Overall, the thoracic girdle acts as a connection and stabilization point between the upper limbs and the axial skeleton, contributing to the overall structure and functionality of the upper torso and facilitating upper limb movement.
Shoulder girdle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "thoracic girdle" can be broken down as follows:
1. Thoracic: The term "thoracic" is derived from the Greek word "thōrakikos", which means "pertaining to the chest or thorax". It is further derived from "thōrax", which means "breastplate" or "chest". This word originated from the Proto-Indo-European root word "terə-", meaning "to rub" or "to press".
2. Girdle: The word "girdle" is derived from the Old English word "gyrdel", which means "belt" or "band". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word *gurdelaz. This term has similar cognates in several other Germanic languages.