Rib

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Rib

Rib (pronunciation: /rɪb/) is a long, curved bone in the chest that forms part of the body's skeletal structure. The term originates from the Old English word ribb, which has the same meaning.

Anatomy

The human body typically has 24 ribs, 12 on each side, which are attached to the vertebral column at the back and the sternum (breastbone) at the front. They are divided into three categories: true ribs, false ribs, and floating ribs.

  • True ribs are the first seven pairs of ribs, which are directly attached to the sternum through their costal cartilage.
  • False ribs are the next three pairs of ribs, which connect to the sternum indirectly via the costal cartilage of the rib above.
  • Floating ribs are the last two pairs of ribs, which do not connect to the sternum at all.

Function

Ribs serve several important functions in the body. They protect vital organs in the chest, such as the heart and lungs, from injury. They also play a crucial role in respiration, as they move up and down to allow the lungs to expand and contract.

Related Terms

  • Costal cartilage is the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum.
  • Intercostal muscles are the muscles located between the ribs that assist in respiration.
  • Thoracic cavity is the chamber of the body of vertebrates that is protected by the thoracic wall (rib cage and associated skin, muscle, and fascia).

See Also

External links

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