Rib

The thoracic cage or the Rib cage encloses the chest and also supports the shoulder bone or the pectoral girdle. This is one of the most important parts of the skeleton. This constitutes 24 ribs, costal cartilage, sternum and twelve thoracic vertebrae. These 24 bones are connected at the back to thoracic vertebrae. The upper seven helps in inhaling & exhaling during the process of respiration and also guards the lungs. Each particular bone of this thoracic cage has six parts. They are the front part that is nearest to the vertebral column, costovertebral joint that connects the head of the bone to the vertebrae. The next part is the neck which continues with tubercle, angle and costal groove.