Definition

1. Noun:
   • The middle segment of an insect's body: The thorax is the central section of an insect's body, located between the head and the abdomen, to which the legs and wings are attached.
   • The chest cavity in humans and other vertebrates: In human anatomy, the thorax is the part of the torso between the neck and the diaphragm, enclosed by the ribs and containing the heart and lungs. This meaning extends to similar structures in other mammals and vertebrates.
   • The corresponding body region in other arthropods: For arthropods like crustaceans or arachnids, the thorax refers to the middle region of the body between the head and the abdomen.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The beetle's powerful legs are attached to its thorax.
  • A chest X-ray provides an image of the structures within the thorax.
  • In spiders, the cephalothorax is a fusion of the head and thorax.

Advanced Usage

• "Thoracic" (adjective): Pertaining to the thorax.
  • The thoracic vertebrae are located in the upper back.
  • Thoracic surgery focuses on organs within the chest.

Variants and Related Words

• Thoracic (adj): Of or relating to the thorax.
  • The thoracic cavity is protected by the rib cage.
• Cephalothorax (n): A body region in some arthropods, like spiders, formed by the fusion of the head and thorax.
  • A spider's legs are connected to its cephalothorax.

Synonyms

• Chest: Specifically for the human and vertebrate torso.
• Mesosoma: A term sometimes used for the thorax in certain insects or arthropods.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Thoracic duct: The main lymphatic vessel for returning lymph to the bloodstream, located in the chest.
• Thoracic outlet: The space between the collarbone and the first rib.

Noun

1. part of an insect's body that bears the wings and legs
2. the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates
3. the middle region of the body of an arthropod between the head and the abdomen