The ribs They are curved bones found in the thorax, which provide support and protection, while allowing respiratory movements. These functions are possible thanks to their characteristic structure. While supporting the rib cage, the ribs provide a protective barrier for some vital organs. The heart, lungs, liver, and spleen are all under the framework of the ribs.
The ribs are specifically arranged to allow for volume changes that occur in the chest during breathing. If the thorax were covered by a continuous shell of bone, it could not have any freedom of movement. If, on the contrary, there were no rib holding the walls of rib cage, it would collapse every time we take a deep breath, with consequent injuries to the organs inside.
The ribs and intercostal muscles they cover the upper and lateral parts of the thorax. At the base of the rib cage is the diaphragm (a wide and thin muscle shaped like an open umbrella) attached all round to the ribs. Centered and covering the kind of organs that protect them, they form a very important part of our anatomy.
The volume of air contained in the rib cage can increase in two ways. On the one hand the diaphragm it can be contracted to make it flatter; on the other hand, the muscles attached to the ribs can pull them, causing them to move up and out. This process can be noticed by placing the hands in the lower part of the thorax, and taking a deep and slow inspiration.
The ribs are directly adjusted to the spinal column by means of special joints that allow them the movements to which they are subjected during the breathing. At their anterior end they are assembled with the sternum by means of a flexible framework. The last two ribs are shorter, so they do not meet the sternum.
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