Rippenrinne

Rippenrinne (literally “rib gutter”) is a compound German noun used to describe a groove, trough, or channel with a rib-like form. The term is not restricted to a single discipline and its exact meaning varies with context.

In human anatomy, Rippenrinne is used informally to refer to a shallow groove along the lateral thorax associated with the ribs and costal cartilages. It may appear in imaging, surgical descriptions, or anatomical illustration as a notional feature that marks the boundary of intercostal structures. It is not a standard clinical term.

In botany, Rippenrinne denotes a longitudinal rib or groove on a leaf, seed, or fruit, produced by the venation pattern or epidermal relief. Such features can affect the surface roughness, light reflection, or water runoff of the plant part.

In geology and archaeology, the term can describe a narrow trench or channel aligned with a rib-like ridge on rock surfaces or sediments, often a product of differential erosion or human modification that preserves a ribbed morphology.

In engineering and manufacturing, Rippenrinne may describe ribbed channels or grooves designed to enhance stiffness, guide fluids, or dissipate heat in components such as heat exchangers, ducts, or molded parts.

Etymology: from Rippe (rib) and Rinne (gutter, channel). The usage is specialized and requires context to interpret.