Ribs and Sternum Study Guide

What are the 3 aspects of the sternum?

• manubrium

• body

• xiphoid process

What is another name for the sternal body?

corpus gladiolus

What does a typical rib consist of?

• head

• neck

• tubercle

• body

What is the body rotation for an AP oblique ribs?

45 degrees

What is the bony thorax formed by?

• ribs

• sternum

• thoracic vertebrae

What type of tissue is the costovertebral joints made of?

cartilaginous, synovial

What two positions can the patient be placed in for a PA projection?

• prone

• erect

What breathing technique should be used to depress the diaphragm as much as possible?

suspend on inspiration

On the lateral projection of the sternum what SID do you use and why?

• 72 inches

• to reduce magnification

What are the first 7 ribs called?

true ribs

What are the spaces between the ribs referred to?

intercostal spaces

What are ribs 8-12 called?

false ribs

What needs to be done to separate the vertebrae and sternum?

15-20 degree RAO position

Cervical ribs articulate with which vertebrae?

C7

What is the average degree of rotation for an oblique sternum?

15-20 degrees of rotation toward the affected side.

For a lateral projection of the sternum where should the hands be placed?

behind lower back

Where is the costal groove and what does it contain?

• inferior/internal borders of each rib

• channel for blood vessels and nerves

Which ribs are called floating ribs and why?

• 11 and 12

• they do not connect to the sternum, and attach only to vertebrae

For SC joints, how does the head position affect the demonstration of the joint?

Rotating the head manipulates the orientation of the spine, which in turn can alter which joints are demonstrated; right turn = right joint open

What type of cartilage attached the ribs to the sternum?

costal cartilage

What is the breathing technique for upper ribs and why?

• suspend on full inspiration

• fills the thorax with air to better visualize ribs

What is the breathing technique for lower ribs and why?

• suspend on full expiration

• reduces lung volume and increases contrast between ribs and other abdominal structures

If using the IR crosswise, for lower ribs, to what level of the patient should the lower edge of the IR be aligned?

iliac crests

Where is the top of the IR placed for the RAO and lateral projections of the sternum?

jugular notch

What projection best demonstrates the axillary portion of the ribs?

oblique

What joints permit free movement?

synovial

What kind of bone is the sternum?

flat bone