ribbstommen

Ribbstommen, also known as the rib cage or thoracic cage, is a bony structure in the chest of humans and most other vertebrates. It is formed by the ribs, the sternum (breastbone), and the thoracic vertebrae. The primary function of the rib cage is to protect vital internal organs of the thorax, including the heart and lungs, from physical injury. It also plays a crucial role in respiration. As the diaphragm contracts and the intercostal muscles between the ribs move, the rib cage expands and contracts, facilitating the inhalation and exhalation of air.

The human rib cage typically consists of 12 pairs of ribs. The upper seven pairs are called "true ribs" because they directly attach to the sternum via their own costal cartilages. The next three pairs are "false ribs," as their cartilages connect to the cartilage of the rib above them. The final two pairs are "floating ribs," which do not connect to the sternum at all. The sternum is a flat, elongated bone located in the midline of the chest, to which most of the ribs attach anteriorly. The thoracic vertebrae form the posterior attachment point for all the ribs. The specific number and arrangement of ribs can vary slightly among different species.