Ribs : Parts of the body

                                        

 Ribs (Latin : costae) are the long curved bones which form the rib cage, part of the axial 

skeleton.thorax. 

Ribs are classed as flat bones which usually have a protective role in the body. Humans 

have 24 ribs, in 12 pairs. All are attached at the back to the thoracic vertebrae, and are 

numbered from 1–12 according to the vertebrae they attach to. The first rib is attached 

to thoracic vertebra 1 (T1). At the front of the body most of the ribs are joined by costal 

cartilages to the sternum. 

The ribs connect to the vertebrae with two joints, the costovertabral joints.

The parts of a rib include the head, neck, body (or shaft), tubercle, and angle.

The head of the rib lies next to a vertebra. 

The neck of the rib is a flattened part that extends laterally from the head. The neck is 

about 3 cm long.

A tubercle of rib on the posterior surface of the neck of the rib, has two facets (surfaces) 

one articulating and one non-articulating. 

                                                                  Rib Cage

The first seven sets of ribs, known as "true ribs", are attached to the  sternum  by the  

costal cartilages. The first rib is unique and easier to distinguish than other ribs. It is a 

short, flat, C-shaped bone. The vertebral attachment can be found just below the  

neck at the first thoracic vertebra, and the majority of this bone can be found above the 

level of the  clavicle. Ribs 2 through 7 have a more traditional appearance and become 

longer and less curved as they progress downwards.The following five sets are known as 

"false ribs", three of these sharing a common cartilaginous connection to the sternum, 

while the last two (eleventh and twelfth ribs) are termed floating ribs. They are attached 

to the vertebrae only, and not to the sternum or cartilage coming off of the sternum.

In general, human ribs increase in length from ribs 1 through 7 and decrease in length 

again through rib 12. Along with this change in size, the ribs become progressively 

oblique (slanted) from ribs 1 through 9, then less slanted through rib 12.

The rib cage is separated from the lower abdomen by the thoracic diaphragm

which controls breathing. When the diaphragm contracts, the thoracic cavity is 

expanded, reducing intra-thoracic pressure and drawing air into the lungs. This happens 

through one of two actions (or a mix of the two): when the lower ribs the diaphragm 

connects to are stabilized by muscles and the central tendon is mobile, when the muscle 

contracts the central tendon is drawn down, compressing the cavity underneath and 

expanding the thoracic cavity downward. When the central tendon is stabilized and the 

lower ribs are mobile, a contraction of the diaphragm elevates the ribs, which works in 

conjunction with other muscles to expand the thoracic indent upward. 

                                                          Fracture

A rib fracture is a break in the rib bone. This typically results in chest pain that is worse 

with breathing in. Bruising may occur at the site of the break.When several ribs are 

broken in several places a flail chest  results. Potential complications include a 

pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, and pneumonia.

Rib fractures usually occur from a direct blows to the chest such as during a motor 

vehicle collusion or from a crush injury. Coughing or metastatic cancer   may also result 

in a broken rib. The middle ribs are most commonly fractured. Fractures of the first or 

second ribs are more likely to be associated with complications.Diagnosis can be made 

based on symptoms and supported by medical imaging. 

Rib fractures can occur with or without direct trauma during recreational activity. 

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)  has also been known to cause thoracic injury.

                                                       Treatment

There is no specific treatment for rib fractures, but various supportive measures can be 

taken. In simple rib fractures, pain can lead to reduced movement and cough 

suppression; this can contribute to formation of secondary chest infection

consult your doctor before attempting the yoga posture.

YouTube video

Information courtesy Google



                                                       Trivia 

It is believed that God put Adam to sleep and created Eve from his ribs. 

RaGa's talks are rib-ticklers and keep the crowd entertained.

                          I am participating in the A to Z Challenge. 

Day 1. Arms : Parts of the body          Day 2. breasts : Parts of the body

Day 3.Chin & Cheeks                         Day 4. Dimples 

Day 5. Eye                                        Day 6. Feet

Day 7 . Gums/Gingiva                        Day 8. Hair 

Day 9. Intestine                                  Day 10. Jaws                                   

Day 11. Kidneys                                  Day 12. Lungs

Day 13. Mouth                                    Day 14. Nails 

Day 15. Ovary                                        Day 16. Pituitary-gland

Day 17.  Quadriceps