Revbensbrosket

Revbensbrosket, or costal cartilage, is the hyaline cartilage that connects the anterior ends of the ribs to the sternum, forming the costal arches that contribute to the front of the chest wall. These cartilages extend from each rib’s costal end and, together with the ribs, sternum, and interchondral joints, permit movement during breathing.

Anatomy and tissue: Costal cartilage is hyaline cartilage composed mainly of type II collagen. It is avascular and aneural. The first costal cartilage articulates with the manubrium; ribs 2–7 articulate with the body of the sternum through their costal cartilage; ribs 8–10 attach to the cartilage of the rib above; ribs 11–12 have no anterior attachment.

Function: It provides elasticity and pliability to the thoracic cage, allowing expansion and contraction during respiration while protecting the lungs and heart from trauma. It also helps accommodate growth of the thorax during development.

Development and aging: Costal cartilage develops through fetal life and grows by chondrocyte proliferation, with endochondral ossification occurring later. In many individuals, especially with age, cartilage can calcify and ossify, reducing its flexibility.

Clinical relevance: Inflammation of the costochondral joints (costochondritis) causes chest wall pain. Fractures or dislocations of costal cartilage are uncommon but may occur after trauma. Calcification of costal cartilage can be seen on imaging in older individuals and can affect chest wall rigidity.