Ribs are held in place by a combination of bony connections to the spine, and cartilaginous connections to the sternum, along with ligaments and muscles. At the chest, many ribs connect to the sternum via costal cartilage, segments of hyaline cartilage that allow the rib cage to expand during respiration. These connections, though fixed, allow for some outward movement, which stabilizes the chest during breathing.
In more detail:
- Vertebral Connections: The posterior ends of the ribs articulate with the thoracic vertebrae in the back. These connections are strong and allow for some gliding motion.
- Sternum Connections: The costal cartilage connects the ribs to the sternum (breastbone) in the front. This cartilage is flexible, allowing the rib cage to expand and contract during breathing.
- Intercostal Muscles: Muscles located between the ribs (intercostal muscles) also help to stabilize the rib cage.
- Ligaments: Ligaments connect the ribs to the vertebrae and the sternum, providing additional support.
