Costal

Costal refers to anything related to the ribs. It is derived from the Latin word 'costa', meaning 'rib'. Costal structures are parts of the body that are associated with the ribs or located near them.

Anatomy

The human body has twelve pairs of ribs. The term 'costal' is used in anatomy to describe structures that are associated with these ribs. For example, the 'costal cartilages' are bars of hyaline cartilage that serve to prolong the ribs forward and contribute to the elasticity of the walls of the thorax.

Costal Margin

The 'costal margin' is the lower edge of the chest (thorax) formed by the bottom edge of the rib cage. It is an important landmark in the physical examination of the abdomen.

Costal Breathing

'Costal breathing' is a type of shallow breathing where the chest expands outwards, and the ribs move upwards and outwards. This type of breathing is often seen in conditions where the person has difficulty in breathing.

Costal Pain

'Costal pain' or 'rib pain' is a common complaint in many medical conditions. It can be due to a variety of causes, including fractures, infections, tumors, or inflammation of the ribs or the surrounding tissues.

See Also

• Rib cage
• Thorax
• Cartilage
• Abdomen
• Fracture
• Infections
• Tumors