Ribs

Ribs are thin, flat, curved bones that form a protective cage around the organs in the upper body. There are 24 ribs arranged in 12 pairs to form the ribcage.

Anatomy of Ribs

Ribs are attached to the back to the thoracic vertebrae. There are true ribs, false ribs and floating ribs.

The upper seven ribs are also known as the true ribs and are attached in the front to the sternum by means of costal cartilage. They are elastic in nature which allows movement when inhaling and exhaling.

The 8th, 9th, and 10th ribs are also known as the false ribs. They join with the costal cartilages of the true ribs. They are slightly shorter than true ribs and instead of being attached directly to the sternum in the front; they are attached to the lowest true rib.

The 11th and 12th rib are known as the floating ribs as they do not have any anterior connection to the sternum. They are the smallest rib and are attached to the spine at the back.

The spaces between the ribs contain intercostals muscles, nerves and arteries. Some of the parts of the ribs include:

• The head - End of the rib closest to the vertebral column,
• Costovertebral joints - Connect the heads of the ribs to the thoracic vertebrae,
• Neck - Flattened portion which extends laterally from the head,
• Tubercle - An eminence on the posterior surface,
• Angle - A bending part and
• Coastal groove - Groove between the ridge of the internal surface of the rib and the inferior border.

Functions of Ribs

Ribs are very important to the body, some of their functions include:

• They protect the heart and lungs from injuries and shock,
• Protect parts of the stomach, spleen and kidneys, and
• They help in breathing. When you inhale, the muscles between the ribs lift the ribs up allowing the lungs to expand. When you exhale, the ribs move down, squeezing the air out of your lungs.

Conditions that can affect Ribs

Rib fractures are the most common injuries to the ribcage. Rib fractures normally affect the middle ribs and can cause a lot of pain even when one is laughing. When several ribs are injured, it can cause a flail chest. A flail chest is life threatening and Miracles for Men recommend seeking immediate medical attention.

Other abnormalities of the ribs include:

• Sunken chest,
• Pigeon chest,
• Bifurcated ribs - This is a congenital abnormality, and
• Other diseases that can affect bones.

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