3D CONTENT
3D OSTEOLOGY
3D THORAX

RIB CAGE ANATOMY

Rib cage anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing twelve pairs of ribs, true ribs, false ribs, floating ribs, and costal cartilages

Rib Cage - Overview, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RIBS CAGE

  • The rib cage typically consists of twelve pairs of ribs, with occasional variation
  • The first seven pairs, known as true ribs, attach directly to the sternum via costal cartilages, forming a supportive, flexible structure that aids respiration and protects vital organs
  • The lower five pairs are false ribs, where ribs eight to ten attach indirectly to the sternum via cartilage
  • Ribs eleven and twelve, called floating ribs, have no sternal connection

True Ribs (Ribs 1-7)

  • First seven pairs of ribs
  • Attach directly to the sternum via individual costal cartilages
  • Also called vertebrosternal ribs
  • Provide primary structural support to the thoracic cage

False Ribs (Ribs 8-10)

  • Ribs eight, nine, and ten
  • Attach indirectly to the sternum via the cartilage of the rib above
  • Also called vertebrochondral ribs
  • Contribute to the costal arch formation

Floating Ribs (Ribs 11-12)

  • Ribs eleven and twelve
  • Have no sternal attachment
  • Also called vertebral ribs
  • Pointed ends that are free in the musculature
  • Provide protection for the kidneys

COSTAL CARTILAGES

Costal cartilages showing bars of hyaline cartilage connecting ribs to sternum providing flexibility to thoracic wall

Costal Cartilages - Overview, Sourced from the app 3D OSTEOLOGY

  • Costal cartilages are bars of hyaline cartilage that connect the ribs to the sternum or to each other
  • Provide flexibility to the thoracic wall necessary for respiration

Connections

Costal cartilage connections showing first seven pairs attaching to sternum and eighth to tenth ribs attaching to cartilage above

Costal Cartilages - Connections, Sourced from the app 3D OSTEOLOGY

  • First seven pairs connect directly to the sternum
  • Eighth, ninth, and tenth ribs attach to the cartilage above
  • Eleventh and twelfth pairs (floating ribs) have pointed ends without sternum attachment

Function

Costal cartilages demonstrating flexibility of thoracic wall facilitating thoracic wall expansion during respiration

Costal Cartilages - Function, Sourced from the app 3D OSTEOLOGY

  • Provides flexibility to the thoracic wall
  • Facilitates thoracic wall expansion during respiration

COSTAL ARCH

Costal arch 360-degree viewer showing cartilages of seventh to tenth ribs curving upward to meet at xiphoid process

Costal Arch - False Ribs, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

  • Formed by the cartilages of the seventh to tenth ribs
  • Curves upward and forward to meet at the xiphoid process
  • Contributes to the flexibility of the thoracic wall
  • Accommodates lung expansion during breathing

Costal Margin

  • The lower edge of the costal arch
  • Forms the infrasternal angle at the xiphoid process
  • Important anatomical landmark for clinical examination

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

⋮⋮ Rib Cage Quiz
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