Thorax - Thoracic Wall (1)

Question 1

What are the three types of rib? Explain which ribs are which type.

Answer 1

True (vertebrocostal) ribs: 1st-7th : attach directly from vertebra to sternum.
False (vertebrochondral) ribs: 8th-10th: attach to the sternum via a superior rib’s costal cartilage.
Floating (free) ribs: 11th-12th: no connection to the sternum.

Question 2

Which ribs are described as “typical ribs” for purposes of describing their anatomy?

Answer 2

3rd-9th ribs

Question 3

Typical ribs have a head, neck, tubercle and body. Which parts articulate, and to what do they articulate?

Answer 3

The head has two facets: one for articulation with the numerically corresponding vertebra, and one for articulation with the superior vertebra. The tubercle articulates with the transverse process of the corresponding vertebra.

Question 4

What are the three parts of the sternum?

Answer 4

Manubrium, Body, Xiphoid process.

Question 5

What is the sternal angle?

Answer 5

Also called the manubriosternal joint, or the Angle of Louis, it is the junction of the manubrium and the body of the sternum. It is a secondary cartilaginous joint. This is where the costal cartilage of the 2nd rib attaches.

Question 6

True or false: The 1st rib is palpable.

Answer 6

False.

Question 7

Is the 4th intercostal space superior or inferior to the 4th rib?

Answer 7

Inferior. This makes sense, because the 1st “intercostal” space couldn’t possibly be superior to the 1st rib.