APPLIED RADIOLOGICAL ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -According to their attachment to the sternum, the ribs are classified into three groups: true, false, and floating ribs. The true ribs are the ribs that directly articulate with the sternum with their costal cartilages; they are the first seven ribs.

Detailed explanation-2: -The defining characteristic of thoracic vertebrae is their intimate relationship with the ribs (Vollmer et al. 1997). A rib articulates at the junction of the vertebral body and pedicle (superior costal facet) of its named vertebra and the vertebra above (inferior costal facet).

Detailed explanation-3: -The interchondral articulations are the joints formed between the costal cartilages of the ribs. The contiguous borders of the sixth, seventh, and eighth, and sometimes those of the ninth and tenth, costal cartilages articulate with each other by small, smooth, oblong facets.

Detailed explanation-4: -Sternal articulations The sternocostal joints are formed between the medial end of the costal cartilages of ribs one to seven. The joint between the first rib and the sternum is cartilaginous, but all the others are synovial. Each is surrounded by a capsule and supported by radiate ligaments.

Detailed explanation-5: -The false ribs (8, 9, 10) are the ribs that indirectly articulate with the sternum, as their costal cartilages connect with the seventh costal cartilag by the costochondral joint.