Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)

Endothoracic Fascia

Fascia endothoracica

Origin

Thin connective tissue layer between the parietal pleura and the inner surface of the thoracic wall (ribs, intercostal muscles, spine, and diaphragm)

Insertion

Continues cranially into the suprapleural membrane (Sibson's fascia) and caudally into the diaphragmatic fascia

Function

Allows the parietal pleura to glide relative to the thoracic wall and forms the plane along which the pleura can be bluntly dissected from the thoracic wall surgically

Innervation

No independent motor innervation; sensory via the intercostal nerves

Movement & chain

Elastically tethers the parietal pleura to the chest wall during expansion and recoil in the respiratory cycle.

Palpation

Liners the inner aspect of the thoracic cage and innermost intercostals; cannot be palpated from the surface.

Clinical

Provides the natural extrapleural cleavage plane during thoracic surgery; separates the parietal pleura from the thoracic wall.

Segmental innervation

T1–T12 (intercostal nerves)

In clinical practice

Ergonomic patient repositioning (log-roll technique in spinal trauma) and pressure offloading; maintain neutral spinal alignment in bedridden patients.

Region in the model

Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)