The bones of the thorax can be separated into three main groups – the ribs, the sternum and the thoracic spine. Many find the formation of these bones and their function to be quite complex, so let's break it down to better understand each.
The ribcage consists of twelve paired bones which serve many purposes, most importantly protecting internal thoracic organs while also aiding with breathing. All ribs have a posterior articulation with the vertebral column, and anteriorly they end as costal cartilage. Ribs can typically be divided into two groups: those that have a head, neck and body, and those that have atypical structures. In this second group, the most common examples are ribs one, two, ten and twelve which tend to be much shorter than the other ribs.
The sternum is a flat bone which can be separated into three parts – the manubrium, body and xiphoid process. In the earlier stages of life, the three parts are connected by cartilage. However, after reaching adulthood, the cartilage ossifies to create a T-shaped bone in the midline of the chest. The main purpose of the sternum is providing articulations for the ribs as well as protecting internal thoracic organs.
The thoracic spine is made up of twelve vertebrae with characteristic heart-shaped vertebral bodies, separated from their adjacent vertebrae by intervertebral discs. As its name suggests, it is located after the cervical spine in the vertebral column. The thoracic spine has several functions, two of the most important being protection of the internal organs within the thorax and providing functional similarity to the other bones of the thorax, such as the ribs and sternum.
As you can see, the bones of the thorax have a complex structure with many functions. They work together to form the ribcage, which protects our vital organs and enables us to breathe. The thoracic spine also helps to keep all of these parts in place and also adds an extra layer of protection.
Having an understanding of the bones of the thorax is important for those in the medical field as it allows for a better understanding of the different parts and their roles in the body. Staying informed about these bones and their anatomy is beneficial for medical professionals and those studying medicine, as well as for anyone curious about the human body.
