Part 5 Axial Skeleton: Thoracic Cage, Rib Anatomy, and Skeletal Disorders

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the thoracic cage components, rib anatomy and articulations, and related skeletal disorders from the Axial Skeleton lecture.

Thoracic cage (rib cage)

A skeletal structure composed of the sternum, 12 pairs of ribs, and thoracic vertebrae (T1–T12) that protects the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels.

Intercostal muscles

Muscles attached to the flat rib bones that aid in breathing by expanding the rib cage.

True ribs (Vertebrosternal ribs)

Rib pairs 1–7 that attach directly to the sternum by costal cartilage.

False ribs (Vertebrochondral ribs)

Rib pairs 8–10 whose costal cartilage attaches to the next higher rib rather than directly to the sternum.

Floating ribs (Vertebral ribs)

Rib pairs 11–12 that have no anterior attachment to the sternum.

Sternum

The anterior breastbone of the thoracic cage consisting of the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

Head of rib

The medial end of a rib that articulates with the thoracic vertebrae.

Tubercle of rib

An elevation on a rib that connects to the transverse process of the posterior vertebra.

Angle of rib

The region of a rib displaying the greatest angle of curvature.

Articular facets (of rib)

Surfaces on the rib head that join with the corresponding costal facets on the vertebral body.

Craniosynostosis

A cranial skeletal disorder identified alongside axial conditions.

Herniated disc

A skeletal disorder affecting the intervertebral discs of the vertebral column.

Sciatica

A disorder categorized alongside vertebral conditions and disc issues in the axial skeleton.

Spine curvature disorders

Pathological curvatures of the vertebral column, specifically classified as scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis.

Cleft lip / Cleft palate

Craniofacial skeletal disorders affecting the oral and palatal structures.