title: The anatomy of the ribs and the sternum and their relationship to chest wall structure and function.
abstract: As with all parts of the body, the anatomy and physiology of the chest wall are intimately intertwined. To carry out the unique functions performed by the chest wall, the anatomic structures are formed precisely for maximal efficiency. This article focuses on the unique structural characteristics in the internal thoracic diameters. It discusses the specific anatomy of the ribs and costal cartilages, along with the sternum. How these parts interrelate through joints is described also. Finally, it describes the muscles that cause the motion in the chest wall.
authors.affiliation: Section of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, West Virginia University, School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA. ggraeber@hsc.wvu.edu
authors.forename: Geoffrey M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Graeber
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nazim
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology*; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D012272:Ribs / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013249:Sternum / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*