Thorax

The thoracic cage includes the thoracic vertebrae, sternum, ribs, and costal cartilage (see Figure 1). The sternum (breastbone) consists of three fused bones: the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process. There are 12 pairs of ribs. All ribs articulate posteriorly with a corresponding thoracic vertebra. At their anterior ends, they differ as to how they attach, as follows:
 
  • Seven pairs of true ribs (vertebrosternal ribs) attach directly to the sternum with hyaline cartilage called costal cartilage.
  • Three pairs of false ribs (vertebrochondral ribs) do not attach to the sternum. Rather, they connect (with costal cartilage) to the rib directly above them.
  • Two pairs of false ribs (floating ribs or vertebral ribs) do not attach to anything at their anterior ends.

Figure 1. The thoracic cage.

figure 

Here are important features of a rib:

  • The head is the end of the rib that articulates with the vertebral column.
  • The superior and inferior facets on the head articulate with the facets of the thoracic vertebrae.
  • The neck, just beyond the head, bears a tubercle (rounded process) that articulates with the facet of the vertebral transverse process. Part of the tubercle also presents a place of attachment for ligaments.
  • The costal angle designates the sharp turn of the rib.
  • The costal groove, a passageway on the inside of the bending rib, provides for blood vessels and intercostal nerves.
  • The body (shaft) is the major part of the rib—that part beyond the costal angle.
  • Intercostal spaces, the areas between the ribs, are occupied by the intercostal muscles.
 
 
 
 
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