Twelve pairs of curved bones that form the rib cage and protect the organs of the chest.
Structure
Each rib has a head that articulates with a vertebra, a neck, a tubercle, and a long curved body. The first seven pairs are called true ribs because they attach directly to the sternum.
Types
Ribs 8 through 10 are false ribs whose cartilages join the cartilage above before reaching the sternum. Ribs 11 and 12 are floating ribs with no anterior attachment.
Breathing
During inhalation the external intercostal muscles lift the ribs upward and outward, expanding the chest cavity. During exhalation the ribs return to their resting position, helping push air out of the lungs.
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Ribs starts with R and ends with S. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
Body Parts that contain a letter from "Ribs":