Comparison between tract and nerve

  Comparison between tract and nerve Nerve Nerve contain bundle of axons (nerve fibers) in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that transmits signals between the central nervous system (CNS) and other parts of the body. It is the most important part of peripheral nervous system Location: Peripheral nervous system. Structure: Made of axons, connective tissue layers (endoneurium: axon is surrounded by it , perineurium: bundle of axons are surrounded by it, epineurium: whole nerve trunk is surrounded by it), and blood vessels. It gets myelination by Schwann cell   Function: Carries sensory signals to the CNS (afferent) from peripheral part of body or motor signals carry from from the CNS (efferent) to target organs like skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, smooth muscle or glands Example: Sciatic nerve, median nerve, except optic nerve (though optic nerve is technically part of CNS in develop...

Difference between thoracic cage in adult infant & older age


Difference between infant, adult and older thoracic cage

The thoracic cage supports breathing and safeguards vital organs.

Formation: by the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae.

The thoracic cage has notable age-related alterations from childhood to maturity, which impact respiratory function and total thoracic mobility.

It is constantly expanding during childhood. In comparison to adults, the thoracic cage is smaller and more cylindrical throughout infancy and early childhood. This smaller size fits the child's body proportions and provides sufficient protection for the thoracic organs while still making room for the growing respiratory system.

 

The pediatric thoracic cage's elasticity and flexibility are two of its most noteworthy characteristics. Breathing allows the thoracic cavity to expand because the cartilaginous parts of the sternum and ribs are more flexible and supple. Its adaptability is necessary to allow for the quick development and variations in lung capacity that come with growing children.

It experiences additional changes in size, shape, and structural integrity as children grow into adolescence and adulthood. The thoracic cage's proportions are impacted by a notable growth spurt that occurs at the start of puberty. The sternum ossifies and the ribs lengthen and widen, creating a more robust and sturdy structure.

It  matures to its full size and shape during adulthood, when it is most suited for maximum respiratory efficiency. The ribs take on a more elliptical shape, tapering towards the top and widening at the base to give the lungs and other thoracic organs the best possible support. Its stability is enhanced by the less flexible costal cartilages and more solid rib articulations with the sternum.

 

With age, it experiences age-related changes that might impact thoracic mobility and respiratory function. Reduced bone density caused by osteoporosis, a frequent ailment in older persons, can weaken the sternum and ribs, raising the risk of fractures and decreasing thoracic stability.

Age-related changes in posture, such as kyphosis or a forward stooped posture, can also impact the alignment and mobility of the thoracic cage. Kyphosis leads to a more rounded upper back, decreasing the anteroposterior diameter of the thoracic cage and limiting thoracic expansion during breathing.

 

Another typical effect of aging is muscle weakening, which can impair the capacity to generate sufficient breathing effort by affecting the muscles of the chest wall and respiratory diaphragm. This weakening may contribute to respiratory inefficiency and dyspnea in older persons by reducing lung capacities and thoracic expansion.

To sum up, the thoracic cage experiences notable age-related alterations from childhood to maturity, which impact thoracic mobility and respiratory function. Comprehending these alterations is essential for enhancing respiratory well-being and managing age-related respiratory problems in both adult and pediatric populations. People can preserve optimal respiratory function throughout their lives with targeted therapies, lifestyle changes, and appropriate medical care.

 

Infant thoracic cage

Adult thoracic cage

Adult thoracic cage

Circular in shaped

Kidney shaped

Barrel shaped

Ribs horizontally placed

Ribs obliquely placed

More horizontally placed

Transverse diameter cannot be increased by thoracic breathing but respiration is purely abdominal

Transverse diameter can be increased by thoracic breathing but respiration is thoraco-abdominal

Transverse diameter can be increased by thoracic breathing but respiration is thoraco-abdominal

Un-ossified sternebrae are present

No Un-ossified sternebrae, unit and formed single segment

Lower end curve inward

Menubriosternal angulation is less prominent

Menubrio-sternal angulation is  prominent

Menubrio-sternal angulation is  more prominent

shallow kyphotic curvature present in vertebral column

Well developed kyphotic curvature present in vertebral column

Exaggerated kyphotic curvature

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