Ribs

Structure and Composition:

• The rib cage consists of 24 ribs, 12 on each side of the body.
• Ribs are categorized into true ribs (first seven pairs), false ribs (next three pairs), and floating ribs (last two pairs).
• True ribs attach directly to the sternum via costal cartilages, false ribs attach indirectly, and floating ribs do not attach to the sternum.

Functions:

• Protect vital organs, especially the heart and lungs.
• Provide support for the upper body.
• Assist in breathing by changing the volume of the thoracic cavity.

Joints

Definition and Types:

• Joints are connections between bones, allowing for movement and providing structural support.
• Major types include:
  • Fibrous Joints: Immobile, e.g., sutures in the skull.
  • Cartilaginous Joints: Limited movement, e.g., intervertebral discs.
  • Synovial Joints: Highly mobile, e.g., hip and knee joints.

Functions:

• Facilitate movement (e.g., walking, running, grasping).
• Absorb shock and distribute loads.

Vertebrae

Structure:

• The vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral (fused), and 4 coccygeal (often fused).
• Each vertebra has a central body, a vertebral arch, and several processes for muscular and ligamentous attachments.

Functions:

• Protect the spinal cord.
• Support the head and body.
• Provide attachment points for ribs and muscles.
• Facilitate flexible movement.

Together, ribs, joints, and vertebrae form a crucial part of the skeletal system, each contributing to the body’s protection, movement, and structural integrity.

Ribs

Structure and Composition:

• The rib cage consists of 24 ribs, 12 on each side of the body.
• Ribs are categorized into true ribs (first seven pairs), false ribs (next three pairs), and floating ribs (last two pairs).
• True ribs attach directly to the sternum via costal cartilages, false ribs attach indirectly, and floating ribs do not attach to the sternum.

Functions:

• Protect vital organs, especially the heart and lungs.
• Provide support for the upper body.
• Assist in breathing by changing the volume of the thoracic cavity.

Joints

Definition and Types:

• Joints are connections between bones, allowing for movement and providing structural support.

• Major types include:

  • Fibrous Joints: Immobile, e.g., sutures in the skull.

  • Cartilaginous Joints: Limited movement, e.g., intervertebral discs.

  • Synovial Joints: Highly mobile, e.g., hip and knee joints.

Functions:

• Facilitate movement (e.g., walking, running, grasping).

• Absorb shock and distribute loads.

Vertebrae

Structure:

• The vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral (fused), and 4 coccygeal (often fused).

• Each vertebra has a central body, a vertebral arch, and several processes for muscular and ligamentous attachments.

Functions:

• Protect the spinal cord.

• Support the head and body.

• Provide attachment points for ribs and muscles.

• Facilitate flexible movement.