Triangle of auscultation
| Triangle of auscultation | |
|---|---|
| File:VHM Triangle of Auscultation.png Triangle of auscultation (shown in pink) of the Visible Human Male | |
| File:VHM Triangle of Auscultation CS.png Cross section #1428 of the Visible Human Male showing the structures of the triangle of auscultation | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | trigonum auscultationis |
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| TH | {{#property:P1694}} |
| TE | {{#property:P1693}} |
| FMA | {{#property:P1402}} |
| Anatomical terminology [[[d:Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 865: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).|edit on Wikidata]]] | |
The triangle of auscultation is a relative thinning of the musculature of the back, situated along the medial border of the scapula which allows for improved listening to the lungs. It is bounded by trapezius medially, laterally scapula and inferiorly lattismus dorsi
Boundaries
[edit | edit source]It has the following boundaries:
- medially, by the inferior portion of the trapezius
- inferiorly, by the latissimus dorsi
- laterally, by the medial border of the scapula
The superficial floor of the triangle is formed by the lateral portion of the erector spinae muscles. Deep to these muscles are the osseous portions of the 6th and 7th ribs and the internal and external intercostal muscles.
Clinical significance
[edit | edit source]The triangle of auscultation is useful for assessment using a pulmonary auscultation and thoracic procedures.[1] Due to the relative thinning of the musculature of the back in the triangle, the posterior thoracic wall is closer to the skin surface, making respiratory sounds audible more clearly with a stethoscope. On the left side, the cardiac orifice of the stomach lies deep to the triangle. In days before X-rays were discovered, the sound of swallowed liquids were auscultated over this triangle to confirm an oesophageal tumour. To better expose the floor of the triangle up of the posterior thoracic wall in the 6th and 7th intercostal space, a patient is asked to fold their arms across their chest, laterally rotating the scapulae, while bending forward at the trunk, somewhat resembling the fetal position.
The triangle of auscultation can be used as a surgical approach path.[2][3] It can also be used for applying a nerve block known as the rhomboid intercostal block, which can be used to relieve pain after rib fractures, and a thoracotomy. This nerve block is usually achieved by injection of the local anesthetic agent into the fascial plane between the rhomboid upper intercostal muscle and the rhombic muscles.[4][5][6]
References
[edit | edit source]Public domain This article incorporates text in the public domain from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
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External links
[edit | edit source]- Anatomy photo:01:02-0103 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- Overview and diagram at ithaca.edu
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