Question

What is a rib cage?

Answer 1

The skeleton forms the internal framework of the human body. The axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton are the two parts of the human skeleton. The vertebral columns, the rib cage, the skull and the associated bones are the parts of the axial skeleton.

Complete answer:
The rib cage is the part of the axial skeleton and it is the arrangement of rib bones which remain attached to the vertebral column and the sternum in the thorax. The rib cage is an important bone arrangement as it encloses the heart and the lungs and helps to protect them.
The rib cage is also known as the thoracic cage and it is a bony and cartilaginous structure. As the rib cage surrounds the thoracic cavity it is known as the thoracic cage. The rib cage in humans is made up of twenty-four ribs in twelve pairs. In addition to the ribs, the rib cage consists of sternum, xiphoid process, the costal cartilages and twelve thoracic vertebrae.
The ribs are curved long bones and form the part of the rib cage. The ribs are attached to the back of the thoracic vertebrae. The ribs are present in pairs and numbered on the basis of the thoracic vertebrae to which they are attached. They are attached to the sternum by the costal cartilage. The sternum is present in the mid-portion of the chest and forms the front of the rib cage. It is one of the largest and longest bones and is called the breastbone. The xiphoid process is a small, spine-like process of the sternum and is also called the meta sternum. It is ossified in adults.
The first seven pairs of ribs are attached to the sternum by the costal cartilages and are called the true ribs. The first rib is a distinct, short, flat and C-shaped bone. The ribs from the second to the seventh pairs are less curved and longer in shape. The last five ribs are known as false ribs. The three out of the last five ribs share a common connection to the sternum and the other two ribs are known as floating ribs as they are connected with the vertebrae only.
The rib cage is separated by the thoracic diaphragm from the lower abdomen. The thoracic diaphragm controls the breathing. During the contraction of the diaphragm, the thoracic cavity is expanded. The contraction of the diaphragm elevates the ribs and along with other muscles, the thoracic or the rib cage is expanded upwards.
The rib cage is the primary skeletal structure that protects the soft and delicate visceral organs such as lungs and the heart. The rib cage along with the cartilages and muscles form the thoracic wall. It provides attachment for the muscles of the neck, thorax and upper abdomen. It also performs an important function during exhalation and inhalations.

Note: The rib cage is a protective bony cage like structure formed by the rib bones, thoracic vertebrae, sternum and cartilages. In humans, there are a total of twelve pairs of ribs that form the rib cage. It protects the organs like the heart and the pairs of lungs. It also has a major function during the respiratory system.