costal cartilage

Introduction

One of the cartilages connecting the sternum with the anterior aspect of the 12 thoracic ribs.

Function

• costal cartilages contribute to the elasticity of the thoracic wall.

Structure

• the 1st 7 are connected with the sternum, the next 3 with the lower border of the cartilage of the preceding rib.
• the cartilages of the last 2 ribs have pointed extremities, which terminate in free ends in the walls of the abdomen

Pathology

• in old age they become of a deep yellow color & are prone to calcify

More general terms

• cartilage