The Ribs Flashcards
what are the anterior articulations of th ribs
Ribs 1-7 attach independently to the sternum.
Ribs 8 – 10 attach to the costal cartilages superior to them.
Ribs 11 and 12 do not have an anterior attachment and end in the abdominal musculature. Because of this, they are sometimes called ‘floating ribbs’
what are the posterior articulations of th ribs
All of the twelve ribs articulate posteriorly with the vertebrae of the spine. Each rib forms two joints:
Costotransverse joint – Between the tubercle of the rib, and the transverse costal facet of the corresponding vertebrae.
Costovertebral joint – Between the head of the rib, superior costal facet of the corresponding vertebrae, and the inferior costal facet of the vertebrae above.
what are two classifications of ribs and what is the difference
atypical and typical. The typical ribs have a generalised structure, while the atypical ribs have variations on this structure.
desribe the typical ribs
The typical rib consists of a head, neck and body:
The head is wedge shaped, and has two articular facets separated by a wedge of bone. One facet articulates with the numerically corresponding vertebrae, and the other articulates with the vertebrae above.
The neck contains no bony prominences, but simply connects the head with the body. Where the neck meets the body there is a roughed tubercle, with a facet for articulation with the transverse process of the corresponding vertebrae.
The body, or shaft of the rib is flat and curved. The internal surface of the shaft has a groove for the neurovascular supply of the thorax, protecting the vessels and nerves from damage.
desribe the atypical ribs
Ribs 1, 2, 10 11 and 12 can be described as ‘atypical’ – they have features that are not common to all the ribs.
Rib 1 is shorter and wider than the other ribs. It only has one facet on its head for articulation with its corresponding vertebrae (there isn’t a thoracic vertebrae above it). The superior surface is marked by two grooves, which make way for the subclavian vessels.
Rib 2 is thinner and longer than rib 1, and has two articular facets on the head as normal. It has a roughened area on its upper surface, where the serratus anterior muscle attaches.
Rib 10 only has one facet – for articulation with its numerically corresponding vertebrae.
Ribs 11 and 12 have no neck, and only contain one facet, which is for articulation with their corresponding vertebrae.
how many ribs are there
12
role of the ribs and where do they articular and terminate
form the protective ‘cage’ of the thorax. They articulate with the vertebral column posteriorly, and terminate anteriorly as cartilage (known as costal cartilage).the ribs protect the internal thoracic organs. They also have a role in breathing – during chest expansion the ribcage moves to permit lung inflation.
