Question

Short note on rib cage.

Answer 1

Hint: The bones are the part of the skeletal system which forms the framework of the body. This skeletal system along with muscles helps in various movement and locomotion. The skeletal system consists of two parts- axial and appendicular skeleton. The various parts of the axial skeleton include the vertebral column, the rib cage, the skull and the associated bones.

Complete Answer:
- The rib cage is a part of the axial skeleton. It is made up of rib bones which are attached to the sternum in the front and vertebral column in the back. The most important function of rib cage is providing protection to the important organs such as the heart and the lungs. It is made up of various bones and cartilages.
- As the rib cage is present in the thoracic cavity it is also called a thoracic cage. There are 12 pairs of bones making a total of 24 bones. These bones are curved in shape. Along with the rib bones, the rib cage also consists of sternum, the costal cartilage and twelve thoracic vertebrates.
- According to these vertebrates, the rib bones are numbered. The frontal attachment of the rib cage is the sternum bone which is also called breastbone. This sternum is one of the longest and largest bones.
- The ribs can be true ribs, false ribs or floating ribs. The first seven pairs of ribs are attached through the costal cartilage to the sternum and are called true ribs.
- The first pair of ribs is a C shaped bone whereas the bones in the second to seventh pair are longer in shape.
- The last five pairs of ribs are the false ribs. Out of them, the last two pairs are called floating ribs as they are not attached to the sternum in front. They are attached to the sternum only.

Note: Along with protection, the ribcage also participates in inhalation and exhalation. It is formed by the rib bones, sternum, cartilages and vertebrae. It is mainly a part of the skeletal system. The diaphragm separates it from the lower abdomen or abdominal cavity.