The ribs are a set of twelve paired bones which form the protective 'cage' of the thorax. They articulate with the vertebral column posteriorly, and terminate anteriorly as cartilage (known as costal cartilage). As part of the bony thorax, the ribs protec

The ribs are a set of twelve paired bones which form the protective 'cage' of the thorax. They articulate with the vertebral column posteriorly, and terminate anteriorly as cartilage (known as costal cartilage). As part of the bony thorax, the ribs protec