Arthrology of the Ribs and Sternum

Question 1

Costovertebral joints

Answer 1

Head and neck of rib articulates with the sides of the bodies of two adjacent vertebrae.
3 attachment sites on ribs for 2 adjacent vertebrae.
Neck facet articulates with with both corresponding vertebrae and upper vertebrae. Head articulates with the corresponding vertebrae.

Question 2

Radiate ligaments of the head of the ribs

Answer 2

• Origin: Head of the ribs.
• Insertion: Vertebral bodies and intervertebral disc of 2
  adjacent vertebrae.
• Role: Supports the ribs and IVD.

Question 3

Intraarticular ligament

Answer 3

Joint of the head of the ribs.

Short thick band passing from the crest of the head of the rib to the IVD , dividing the joint cavity in two parts.

Question 4

Costotransverse joints

Answer 4

Between transverse process and ribs.
Their shape changes between ribs.
Because of this, when breathing, the lower ribs expand to the sides while upper ribs expand to the front.
Joint capsule completely surrounds it.

Question 5

Costotransverse ligament

Answer 5

• Origin: Transverse process of the vertebra.

- Insertion: Neck of the corresponding rib.

Question 6

Superior Costotransverse ligament

Answer 6

• Origin: Neck of the rib.

- Insertion: Transverse process of the superior vertebra.

Question 7

Lateral Costotransverse ligament

Answer 7

• Origin: Around the fovea costalis of the transverse process.
• Insertion: Around the costal tubercle of the corresponding
  rib.

Question 8

Sternocostal joints

Answer 8

From costal cartilage of ribs 1-7 to costal incision of the sternum.
1st costal cartilage has synchondrosis. Cartilage unites with socket of manubrium, prevents movement. Stronger articulation. Doesn’t rotate like others.
2-7 synovial joints, supported by radiate ligaments.

Question 9

Radiate sternocostal ligaments

Answer 9

Sternocostal joint.

• Origin: Costal cartilages.
• Insertion: Anterior and lateral surfaces of the sternum.
• Role: Reinforce the sternochondral joint.

Question 10

Chondrocostal joint

Answer 10

Primary cartilaginous joint.

Between the anterior rough end of rib and lateral end of costal cartilage.

Question 11

Manubriosternal joint

Answer 11

Secondary cartilaginous joint.
Between inferior surface of manubrium and upper body of sternum.
Fused with age.

Question 12

Xiphisternal joint

Answer 12

Secondary cartilaginous joint.
Between the xiphoid process and sternum.
Supported all around by a fibrous capsule.
Gets stiffer with age.

Question 13

Temporomandibular joint

Answer 13

Connects the jaw bone to the skull, between the temporal bone and the mandibula.
Synovial condyloid joint.
Containing a complete intraarticular disc molding itself during movements at this joint.
25% of patients with neck pain have a problem with this joint, not the neck.