title: Approach to dissection of the anterior thoracic wall and the entrance to the thoracic cavity.
abstract: Dissection of the anterior chest wall typically precedes the opening of the thoracic cavity. The techniques for exposing and subsequently reflecting or removing the structures of the anterior chest wall have been well described. However, these approaches that involve the systematic dissection of the layers of tissue overlying the anterior thoracic wall prior to the removal of the anterior thoracic wall render the pectoral regions and axillas unfit for continued study. The authors offer an alternative dissection that allows continued access to the thoracic cavity while maintaining the integrity of the pectoral and axillary regions. This new technique may facilitate more efficient use and complete study of each specimen.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. fabrizio@ix.netcom.com
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Fabrizio
authors.forename: F R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Clemente
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D013909:Thorax / Q000033:anatomy & histology