rib cage

(noun)

A part of the skeleton within the thoracic area consisting of ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae.

Related Terms

  • pectoral girdle
  • bony labyrinth
  • membranous labyrinth
  • ossicle
  • vertebral column

Examples of rib cage in the following topics:

  • Thoracic Cage: Ribs

    • Ribs are long curved bones which form the rib cage surrounding the thorax.
    • The thoracic cage can expand and contract facilitating breathing in association with the diaphragm and also protects the lungs, heart and other organs of the thoracic cavity.
    • Finally, the shaft forms the majority of the length of the rib as it curves around the thoracic cavity forming the rib-cage.
    • Rib 1 is the shortest and most curved of the ribs.
    • Descending from rib 1 the ribs increase in size up until rib 7 before decreasing in length again.
  • Overview of the Axial Skeleton

    • It is composed of: the human skull, the ossicles of the middle ear, the hyoid bone of the throat, the rib cage (including the sternum), and the vertebral column.
    • The human rib cage, also known as the thoracic cage, is a bony and cartilaginous structure which surrounds the thoracic cavity and supports the pectoral girdle, forming a core portion of the human skeleton.
    • A typical human rib cage consists of 24 ribs, the sternum, costal cartilages, and the 12 thoracic vertebrae .
  • Thoracic Cage: Sternum

    • The sternum or breastbone is a long flat bony plate connected to the rib bones via cartilage, forming the anterior section of the rib cage.
    • Together with the anterior ribs it helps to protect the heart and lungs from damage facilitates expansion and contraction of the thoracic cavity during respiration.
    • The manubrium is the most superior region of the sternum and articulates with the clavicles or collarbones and the first pair of ribs.
    • Located below the manubrium the gladiolus is the longest portion of the sternum and articulates with ribs either directly, or indirectly through the costal cartialage
    • Explain the structure and function of the sternum in the thoracic cage
  • Rib Fracture, Dislocation, and Separation

    • Joint dislocations and rib cage fractures are painful but treatable injuries involving the axial skeleton.
    • A rib fracture is a break or fracture in one or more of the bones making up the rib cage.
    • Fractures of the first and second ribs may be more likely to be associated with head and facial injuries than are other rib fractures.
    • The middle ribs are the ones most commonly fractured.
    • Rib fractures are usually quite painful because the ribs have to move to allow for breathing.
  • Aging and the Respiratory System

    • Expiration follows relaxation of diaphragm and abdominal muscles, but can be increased by the downward action of abdominal muscles on the rib cage.
    • Intercostal muscles (which are auxiliary) stiffen and shape the rib cage.
  • Anterior Muscles

    • All intercostal muscles originate on the lower border of a rib and attach to the upper border of the rib below.
    • Diaphragm - The diaphragm is a large, flat, sheet-like muscle that extends horizontally underneath the rib cage.
    • Functionally, the diaphragm separates the thoracic cavity - containing the lungs and heart, enclosed by the rib cage - from the abdominal cavity, which contains the digestive organs.
    • Attaches to the lower ribs and forms an aponeurosis in towards the midline and linea alba.
    • The intercostals are muscles between the ribs that form the chest cavity wall.
  • Gross Anatomy

    • These bones are expanded into broad, flat plates, as in the cranium (skull), ilium (pelvis), sternum, rib cage, sacrum, and scapula.
  • Divisions of the Skeletal System: Axial and Appendicular

    • It is composed of the human skull, the ossicles of the middle ear, the hyoid bone of the throat, the rib cage, and the vertebral column .
  • Rhinoplasty

    • The autologous grafts usually are harvested from the nasal septum, but, if it has insufficient cartilage (as can occur in a revision rhinoplasty), then either a costal cartilage graft (from the rib cage) or an auricular cartilage graft (concha from the ear) is harvested from the patient's body.
    • When the rhinoplasty requires a bone graft, it is harvested from either the cranium, the hips, or the rib cage.
  • Anatomy of the Heart

    • The heart is located in the thoracic cavity between the lungs and protected by the rib cage.
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