Question

How does the rib cage protect the respiratory system?

Answer 1

The sternum, or breastbone, is a long, bony plate that forms the most anterior section of the rib cage and serves as the connection point for the costal cartilage. It is made of the manubrium, the gladiolus, and the xiphoid process.

Complete answer:
The rib cage, in vertebrae, a basketlike skeletal structure that forms the chest, or thorax, and is made up of the ribs which are attached to the sternum (breastbone) and the vertebral column. The pairs of ribs curve around the chest from the back. In front of the body, the upper seven pairs of ribs, called true ribs are attached to the sternum by cartilage. The eighth, ninth, and tenth pairs of ribs which are known as false ribs, join the cartilage of the pair above. The last two pairs which are called floating ribs are shorter than other pairs of ribs and thus do not join in the front.

This allows humans to bend at the waist without the ribs getting interfered with the pelvis. The rib cage surrounds the lungs, liver, and heart, serving as an important means of bony protection for these vital organs of the human body. The main function of the rib cage is assisting respiration and provides support for the upper extremities.

With each succeeding rib first to curvature of the rib. Cage becomes more wide or open. The rib cage is semi grid but expansile, able to increase in size. The small joints that exist between the ribs and the vertebrae permit a gliding motion of the ribs on the vertebrae during breathing. Rib cage shift occurs with the movement of the vertebral column. During column extension, the ribcage migrates anteriorly, and the ribs are elevated. The rib cage also acts as structural support for the body. And thus based on the above-mentioned criteria the rib cage safeguards the lungs and helps in the protection and proper functioning of the respiratory system.

Note: A differing rib count between the genders is largely a medical myth yet. Still, women’s ribs tend to be gracile and smaller than men’s ribs about percent in volume. Also in rare cases, a disease known as cervical rib produces a single extra rib at the base of the neck.