The human rib cage comprises 37 bones: Sternum (1, unpaired): It is also known as the breastbone and can be felt at the center of the chest. This bone articulates with the first 7 ribs. Thoracic vertebrae (12, unpaired): These are the 12 bones in the thoracic spine (T1-T12).

Nov 18, 2022 · The ribs are 12 pairs of curved, flat bones that form the thoracic cage or rib cage, the bony structure that shapes the thoracic cavity and protects various organs. Despite being relatively thin and light, these bones are highly resilient. Ribs are located in the chest.

Oct 29, 2024 · Your rib cage anatomy includes 37 bones and 98 joints that help the structure flex with your movement. Injuries and diseases that affect these bones and joints may cause musculoskeletal chest pain. Costal cartilage tips on your ribs help your ribcage expand when you breathe. What is the rib cage?

Mar 30, 2025 · The ribs are a set of twelve paired bones which form the protective ‘cage’ of the thorax. They articulate with the vertebral column posteriorly, and terminate anteriorly as cartilage (known as costal cartilage). As part of the bony thorax, the …

In vertebrate anatomy, ribs (Latin: costae) are the long curved bones which form the rib cage, part of the axial skeleton. [1] . In most tetrapods, ribs surround the thoracic cavity, enabling the lungs to expand and thus facilitate breathing by expanding the thoracic cavity.

Each rib consists of a head, neck, and a shaft. All ribs are attached posteriorly to the thoracic vertebrae. They are numbered to match the vertebrae they attach to – one to twelve, from top (T1) to bottom. The head of the rib is the end part closest to the vertebra with which it articulates.

When examining individual rib bones, you’ll notice that some have different structures, so anatomists categorize ribs into two main types: typical and atypical. Typical ribs include ribs 3-9, and they feature a shaft (or body), head, neck, groove, tubercle, and anterior extremity.

Oct 30, 2023 · The ribs are curved, flat bones which form the majority of the thoracic cage. They are extremely light, but highly resilient; contributing to their role in protecting the internal thoracic organs. There are twelve pairs of ribs, all of which articulate with the vertebral column. However, only seven have a direct articulation with the sternum.

Jan 27, 2025 · It is composed of 12 pairs of ribs, the sternum, costal cartilages, and thoracic vertebrae. Its design provides strength and flexibility, supporting respiration and protecting vital organs. The ribs form the main structural component of the rib cage. They are long, curved bones classified into three groups based on their attachment to the sternum.

According to their attachment to the sternum, the ribs are classified into 3 groups: true, false, and floating ribs. The true ribs are the ribs that directly articulate with the sternum with their costal cartilage s - ribs 1-7. They articulate with the sternum by the sternocostal joints.