The thoracic skeleton refers to the part of the human skeleton that is located within the chest cavity. It consists of 12 pairs of ribs, the sternum, and the thoracic vertebrae. Synonyms for the thoracic skeleton include the chest bones, ribcage, and the thorax. The term thorax is commonly used in anatomy to refer to the part of the human body that includes the thoracic skeleton, as well as the lungs, heart, and other organs. Other synonyms for the thoracic skeleton may include the chest cavity, upper torso, or simply the thoracic region. Regardless of the term used, the thoracic skeleton plays a crucial role in protecting vital organs and supporting the body's upper extremities.