MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Ya.I. Fedoniuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

SECTION 2. THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM (THE MECHANICS OF MOVEMENT)

THE SKELETON OF THE TRUNK

2. THE THORAX

2.3. JOINTS OF THE THORACIC BONES

Posteriorly, the heads of the Ribs

articulate with the thoracic vertebrae to form the JOINTS OF THE heads of the ribs (Fig. 2.45). The articular tubercles of the ribs articulate with the transverse processes to form the costotransverse joints. These are combined joints that provide the elevation and depression of the ribs. Anteriorly, the first seven pairs of ribs articulate with the Sternum. The first rib forms a synchondrosis with the sternum, while the remaining six form synovial joints (diarthroses). The eighth, ninth, and tenth ribs are interconnected by synchondroses to form the costal margin.

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Fig. 2.45. Ligaments and joints of the ribs, vertebrae, and sternum, top view



Last update: 08/08/2026

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