Rib Cage

Picture of the rib cage

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

The rib cage consists of 24 ribs (2 sets of 12), which are attached to a long, flat bone in the center of the chest called the sternum. The ribs are connected to the sternum with a strong, somewhat flexible material called cartilage.

The rib cage help protects the organs in the chest, such as the heart and lungs, from damage.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofMarch 21, 2017

Current as of: March 21, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine