Rib cage
Rib cage
The Rib cage (/rɪb keɪdʒ/), also known as the thoracic cage, is an arrangement of bones in the thorax of most vertebrates. It is formed by the vertebral column, ribs, and sternum and encloses the heart and lungs.
Etymology
The term "rib cage" is derived from the Old English word "ribb" which means "a wall" and the Middle English word "cage" which means "a prison or enclosure", signifying the protective nature of the rib cage.
Structure
The rib cage is composed of 24 ribs, the sternum, costal cartilages, and the 12 thoracic vertebrae. It forms a protective cage of hard and resistant bone, as well as flexible and mobile cartilage, which shields the organs located in the thorax, such as the heart and lungs, from damage.
Ribs
The ribs are 24 in number, 12 on each side, and are divided into three categories: true ribs, false ribs, and floating ribs.
Sternum
The sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone located in the center of the thorax, connected to the ribs via cartilage.
Costal cartilages
The costal cartilages are bars of hyaline cartilage that serve to prolong the ribs forward and contribute to the elasticity of the walls of the thorax.
Function
The rib cage serves several important functions. It provides support for the organs of respiration (the lungs) and circulation (the heart), and provides a protective cage that shields these organs from external impacts.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rib cage
- Wikipedia's article - Rib cage
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