Question

Which organ in our body is protected by the bones shown in the given picture?

Answer 1

The picture provided in this question is of a rib cage. The rib cage is structural support made up of long curved bones called ribs. It protects the chest cavity and the organs that are present in the chest cavity.

Complete answer:
Let us discuss the structure and function of the rib cage.
The ribs are the bony framework of the thoracic cavity. A typical rib cage has 24 ribs. The rib cage is assembled from sternum 12 pairs of ribs and 12 thoracic vertebrae. The ribs are connected to the sternum with a strong flexible material called cartilage. These ribs are connected to the spine in our body and cover our lungs to keep them safe.

The function of a rib cage is to protect our chest cavity. It also gave skeletal support to the body.
As the ribcage is present in the thoracic region, it protects the organs present in the chest as the heart and lungs. They are present inside the rib cage. The liver is also protected (but partially) by the rib cage.

Additional Information: During the process of breathing the ribs leave plenty of space for the lungs to fill up with the air. During inhalation, the ribs are elevated and during exhalation the ribs are depressed. However, the bottom 3 ribs do not connect to the costal cartilage, so they remain free and are called floating ribs. Mostly the ribs surround the chests enabling the lungs to expand and thus, facilitate breathing by expanding the chest cavity.

Note: The rib cage is also known as the thoracic cage or thoracic basket. It is very strong as well as flexible. It is one of the main key functions which is very necessary as the rib cage provides vital support to the part of the skeleton and it prevents our vital organs from damage and injury. Also, breathing would not be possible without it.