Articulation of head of rib
Articulation of Head of Rib[edit | edit source]
The articulation of the head of the rib is a joint in the human body that connects the head of a rib to the vertebral column. This articulation is crucial for the structural integrity and flexibility of the thoracic cage, allowing for the expansion and contraction necessary for respiration.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The head of each rib articulates with the bodies of two adjacent vertebrae and the intervertebral disc between them. This joint is classified as a synovial plane joint, which allows for slight gliding movements.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The head of the rib is wedge-shaped and has two articular facets separated by a crest. The superior facet articulates with the inferior costal facet of the vertebra above, while the inferior facet articulates with the superior costal facet of the corresponding vertebra.
The crest of the head of the rib is attached to the intervertebral disc by the intra-articular ligament, which divides the joint into two separate synovial cavities.
Ligaments[edit | edit source]
Several ligaments support the articulation of the head of the rib:
- Intra-articular ligament: Connects the crest of the head of the rib to the intervertebral disc.
- Radiate ligament: A strong band that radiates from the anterior aspect of the head of the rib to the bodies of the two adjacent vertebrae and the intervertebral disc.
Function[edit | edit source]
The articulation of the head of the rib allows for the movement necessary for breathing. During inspiration, the ribs elevate, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and allowing air to flow into the lungs. During expiration, the ribs depress, decreasing the thoracic volume and expelling air from the lungs.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Disorders of the rib articulations can lead to pain and restricted movement. Conditions such as costovertebral joint dysfunction can result from trauma, inflammation, or degenerative changes, affecting the normal function of the thoracic cage.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
