rib

Introduction

Ribs [1-12] are curved flat bones that form most of the thoracic cage.

Classification

There are 3 types:

• True (vertebrocostal/vertebrosternal) ribs:- [1-7]
  • attach directly to the sternum through their own costal cartilages
• False (vertebrochondral) ribs:- [8-10]
  • cartilages are joined to that of the rib immediately superior
  • connection with the sternum is indirect
• Floating (vertebral, free) ribs:- [11-12]
  • the rudimentary cartilages of these ribs do not connect even indirectly with the sternum; instead they end in the posterior abdominal musculature

More general terms

• bone

More specific terms

• articular facet of head of rib
• atypical rib
• costal (subcostal) groove
• costovertebral
• crest of body of rib
• crest of head of rib
• first rib
• neck of rib
• supernumerary (extra) rib
• tubercle of rib
• typical rib

Additional terms

• rib anomaly
• rib fracture

Component of

• thoracic wall