The thoracic cage is the bony structure that surrounds and protects the organs in the chest cavity, including the heart and lungs. It is composed of the ribs, thoracic vertebrae, sternum, and costal cartilages.
There are 12 pairs of ribs in the thoracic cage, which attach to the thoracic vertebrae at the back and to the sternum at the front via the costal cartilages. The first 7 pairs of ribs are known as true ribs, while the remaining 5 pairs are known as false ribs. The last two pairs of false ribs, which do not attach directly to the sternum, are also called floating ribs.
The thoracic vertebrae, which are located in the back of the chest, provide support for the ribs and protect the spinal cord. The sternum, or breastbone, is a flat bone located at the front of the chest, which the ribs and costal cartilages attach to. The thoracic cage also includes the intercostal muscles, which are located between the ribs and help to move the rib cage during breathing.
The thoracic cage plays an important role in protecting the vital organs of the chest and also provides attachment points for muscles involved in breathing and other movements of the upper body. Any injury or disease affecting the thoracic cage can have serious consequences for the health and function of the organs it protects.
