The rib cage is an anatomical structure consisting of bone and cartilage structures located in the chest area of the body, protecting vital organs such as the heart, lungs and great vessels. This structure, known by its Latin name thorax , consists of the spine, sternum (breastbone) and ribs. It is also directly related to the movement of many systems, especially the respiratory function. The rib cage plays a central role in the body's skeletal system, with both protective and supportive functions.
Structural Components
The rib cage consists of three main structures: the 12 pairs of ribs ( costae ), the breastbone ( sternum ), and the thoracic vertebrae ( vertebrae thoracicae ). Together, these structures form a conical, flexible, and semi-rigid protective area.
Ribs (Ribs)
Ribs are bony structures that connect directly or indirectly to the thoracic vertebrae at the back and the sternum at the front. There are 12 pairs of ribs in total. They are divided into three groups:
- True Ribs (Costae verae): The first seven pairs of ribs are attached directly to the sternum.
- False Ribs (Costae spuriae): The 8th, 9th and 10th ribs are connected to the rib above by means of cartilage.
- Free Ribs (Costae fluctuantes): The anterior ends of the 11th and 12th ribs are free and do not reach the sternum.
Each rib consists of a head ( caput costae ), neck ( collum costae ), tubercle ( tuberculum costae ) and body ( corpus costae ).
Breastbone (Sternum)
The sternum is a flat bone that joins the ribs with their cartilage structures at the front. It consists of three parts:
- Manubrium sterni: It is the upper section. It articulates with the clavicle and the 1st ribs.
- Corpus sterni: It is the body part. It connects with the 2nd to 7th ribs.
- Processus xiphoideus: It is a small bony protrusion located at the lower end, which turns from cartilage to bone with age.
Thoracic Vertebrae (Vertebrae thoracicae)
It forms the back part of the rib cage. 12 thoracic vertebrae articulate with the ribs on both sides. This structure contributes to the movement of the rib cage and forms a protective canal for the spinal cord.
Functions
The primary functions of the rib cage include:
- Protection: It protects vital organs such as the heart, lungs and great vessels against external factors.
- Breathing: The ribs and sternum act through the respiratory muscles (especially the diaphragm and intercostal muscles) to change the respiratory volume.
- Support: It helps the upper extremity bones (especially the clavicle and scapula) to hold together.
- Bone marrow production: The sternum and ribs contain active red bone marrow in adults, which plays a role in the production of blood cells.
Clinical Significance
The rib cage is a structure that is open to trauma, fractures and deformities. Rib fractures are especially common in older individuals. Spinal curvatures such as scoliosis can affect the shape of the rib cage. Congenital anomalies include pectus excavatum (a sunken sternum) and pectus carinatum (a protruding sternum).
