Costal cartilage

Costal Cartilage

Costal cartilage (pronunciation: /ˈkɒstəl ˈkɑːrtɪlɪdʒ/) is an important anatomical structure in the human body that connects the sternum or breastbone to the ribs.

Etymology

The term "costal cartilage" is derived from the Latin word 'costa' meaning 'rib' and the Greek word 'khondros' meaning 'grain or granule', referring to the cartilaginous nature of the structure.

Anatomy

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. There are twelve pairs of costal cartilages, one for each rib. The first seven pairs are connected to the sternum, the next three are connected to the cartilage of the rib above, and the last two are floating ribs with no anterior connection.

Function

The primary function of the costal cartilage is to contribute to the flexibility and elasticity of the thoracic cage, allowing for the expansion and contraction of the chest during respiration. They also serve to protect the organs in the thorax, including the heart and lungs.

Related Terms

Hyaline Cartilage: A type of cartilage found in areas such as the joints, respiratory tract, and the immature skeleton.
Sternum: The breastbone, a long flat bone located in the center of the chest.
Ribs: A set of twelve bones which form the protective 'cage' of the thorax.
Thorax: The part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, enclosed by the ribs and the sternum.
Respiration: The process of inhaling and exhaling air in order to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body's cells and the atmosphere.