What is the medical term meaning rib cage?
Rib cage: The structure formed by the thoracic vertebrae and ribs, the sternum (breastbone), and the costal cartilages (that attach the ribs to the sternum). A cage is an enclosure made of "open work" that usually houses animals. The rib cage was thought to resemble an animal cage (although the largest "animals" it holds are the heart and lungs).. The rib cage is also called the thoracic cage.
How many bones are in a rib cage?
The ribs are the series of long, flat, curved bones that form the protective cage of the thorax (chest). The human rib cage is made up of 12 paired rib bones, each of which articulates with the vertebral column posteriorly and terminates anteriorly as cartilage.
What organs are in the rib cage?
The rib cage is one of the strongest structures in the human body, designed to protect two of the most important organ systems: the heart and lungs. It consists of 24 rib bones, along with the sternum, 12 thoracic vertebrae and costal cartilages. The top rib bones are thin, curved bones that connect to the sternum.
What are the parts of the rib cage?
These spaces are filled with many important organs:
- BLOOD VESSELS: Tucked under every rib bone are bundles of veins and arteries. The veins that take away waste and the arteries bring important nutrients to the rib cage.
- NERVES: Nerves are lined up like wires under each vein and artery. ...
- MUSCLES: The muscles between each rib move your chest to help you breathe.
What is the rib cage?
The ribs partially enclose and protect the chest cavity, where many vital organs (including the heart and the lungs) are located. The rib cage is collectively made up of long, curved individual bones ...
How many bones are in the human rib cage?
The human rib cage is made up of 12 pair ed rib bones; each are symmetrically paired on a right and left side. Of all 24 ribs, the first seven pairs are often labeled as ‘true.’.
What is the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum?
At the chest, many rib bones connect to the sternum via costal cartilage, segments of hyaline cartilage that allow the rib cage to expand during respiration. Although fixed into place, these ribs do allow for some outward movement, and this helps stabilize the chest during inhalation and exhalation.
Do men and women have the same amount of ribs?
While there are some cases of minor anatomical variation, men and women generally have the same amount of ribs.
What does it mean when your rib cage hurts?
Rib cage pain may be sharp, dull, or achy and felt at or below the chest or above the navel on either side. It may occur after an obvious injury or without explanation.
How to stop rib cage pain?
You can prevent rib cage pain due to muscle strains or sprains by stretching your muscles, using exercise equipment properly, and staying hydrated. If an illness is causing your rib cage pain, get plenty of rest and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
What is MRI of ribs?
An MRI scan gives the doctor a detailed view of your rib cage and surrounding muscles, organs, and tissue. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, your doctor may order a bone scan. Your doctor will order a bone scan if they feel that bone cancer may be causing the pain.
Why does my rib cage hurt?
The most common causes of rib cage pain are a pulled muscle or bruised ribs. Other causes of pain in the rib cage area may include: broken ribs. injuries to the chest. rib fractures. diseases that affect the bones, such as osteoporosis. inflammation of the lining of the lungs. muscle spasms.
How to treat rib pain?
If the rib cage pain is due to a minor injury, such as a pulled muscle or bruise, you can use a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling. If you’re in significant pain, you can also take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
What organs are below the rib cage?
The gallbladder and kidneys lie just below the rib cage. If any of the components of the rib cage, including the bones or cartilage, or the organs nearby are affected by injury or illness, a person will have pain in or near the rib cage.
What is the pain in the rib cage?
The pain associated with fibromyalgia may be burning, throbbing, stabbing, or aching. These pains are commonly felt in the rib cage, although any part of the body can be affected.
Why does my rib cage hurt?
Rib cage pain is a common complaint that can be caused by factors, ranging from a fractured rib to lung cancer. The pain associated with the rib cage may be sudden and sharp or dull and aching.
What is the best way to diagnose rib cage pain?
Rib cage pain that begins following injury is typically diagnosed with an X-ray to highlight bone breaks and fractures. MRIs and other scans can detect soft tissue damage.
What to do if your ribs hurt?
A person should always consult a doctor in any case of unexplained rib cage pain. If the pain or pressure in the chest is severe and breathing becomes difficult, a person should seek emergency medical treatment, as these symptoms could indicate a heart attack. Last medically reviewed on January 11, 2020. Body Aches.
Where does costochondritis occur?
It usually occurs in the cartilage that joins the upper ribs to the sternum, an area called the costosternal joint. Rib cage pain due to costochondritis ranges from mild to severe. Symptoms include tenderness and pain when touching the chest area.
How many ribs are there in the human body?
The rib cage consists of 24 ribs, 12 on either side, and it shields the organs of the chest, including the heart and the lungs, from damage.
What is the condition where the upper ribs attach to the breastbone?
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage. The condition usually affects the cartilage where the upper ribs attach to the breastbone, or sternum, an area known as the costosternal joint or costosternal junction.
What does a doctor do for rib pain?
They may also ask about your symptoms and your family’s medical history. During the physical exam, your doctor assesses pain levels by manipulating your rib cage. They may also look for signs of infection or inflammation.
Where does costochondritis pain radiate?
The pain may radiate to the back or the abdomen. It may also get worse if you move, stretch, or breathe deeply.
What is the inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone?
Costochondritis (kos-toe-kon-DRY-tis) is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). Pain caused by costochondritis might mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions.
What are some examples of costochondritis?
A blow to the chest is one example. Physical strain. Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and severe coughing have been linked to costochondritis. Arthritis. Costochondritis might be linked to specific problems, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Joint infection.
What side of the breast does costochondritis occur?
The pain associated with costochondritis usually: Occurs on the left side of your breastbone. Is sharp, aching or pressure-like. Affects more than one rib. Worsens when you take a deep breath or cough.
Where is costochondritis most commonly found?
Costochondritis. Costochondritis most commonly affects the upper ribs on the left-hand side of your body. Pain is often worst where the rib cartilage attaches to the breastbone (sternum), but it can also occur where the cartilage attaches to the rib.
