Rib Cage: What To Know

Overview

The rib cage is a bony structure that encloses the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest. It is made up of 12 pairs of ribs, which are attached to the spine at the back and to the sternum at the front. The ribs are connected to each other by ligaments and muscles, which help to support the rib cage and allow it to move during breathing.

Rib Cage Functions

The rib cage has several important functions, including:

* Protecting the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest

* Helping with breathing

* Providing support for the upper body

* Allowing for movement of the arms and shoulders

Rib Cage Anatomy

The rib cage is made up of the following bones:

* 12 pairs of ribs

* The sternum

* The thoracic vertebrae

The ribs are long, curved bones that run from the spine to the sternum. The first seven pairs of ribs are called the true ribs because they attach directly to the sternum. The next five pairs of ribs are called the false ribs because they do not attach directly to the sternum. The last two pairs of ribs are called the floating ribs because they do not attach to the sternum or the spine.

The sternum is a flat, sword-shaped bone that lies at the front of the rib cage. It is made up of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. The manubrium is the upper part of the sternum, and it is where the clavicles (collarbones) attach. The body is the middle part of the sternum, and it is where the ribs attach. The xiphoid process is the small, pointed bone at the bottom of the sternum.

The thoracic vertebrae are the 12 bones that make up the spine in the chest area. The ribs attach to the thoracic vertebrae at the back.

Rib Cage Muscles

The rib cage is supported by several muscles, including:

* The intercostal muscles

* The diaphragm

* The serratus anterior muscle

* The pectoralis major muscle

The intercostal muscles are located between the ribs. They help to expand and contract the rib cage during breathing. The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle that lies at the bottom of the rib cage. It helps to pull the lungs down during breathing. The serratus anterior muscle is located at the side of the rib cage. It helps to move the ribs upward during breathing. The pectoralis major muscle is located at the chest. It helps to pull the ribs downward during breathing.

Rib Cage Movement

The rib cage moves up and down during breathing. When you inhale, the rib cage expands and the lungs fill with air. When you exhale, the rib cage contracts and the lungs empty out air.

The rib cage also moves when you move your arms and shoulders. When you raise your arm, the rib cage on that side expands. When you lower your arm, the rib cage on that side contracts.

Rib Cage Problems

There are several problems that can affect the rib cage, including:

* Rib fractures

* Rib dislocations

* Pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs)

* Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)

* Tuberculosis (bacterial infection of the lungs)

Rib fractures are a common injury, and they can be caused by a variety of things, such as falls, car accidents, and sports injuries. Rib dislocations are less common, and they can occur when the ribs are forced out of their normal position. Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lining of the lungs, and it can be caused by a variety of things, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, and it can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection of the lungs, and it is usually spread through the air.

If you have any problems with your rib cage, it is important to see a doctor so that the cause can be diagnosed and treated.