What Is Bony Thoracic Cage

The bony thoracic cage consists of the ribs, sternum, and thoracic spine, in addition to the humerus, clavicle, and scapula of the shoulder girdle. Also there are many small and one large (discovertebral) articulations in the thorax.

What are the bones of the thoracic cage?

The thoracic cage (rib cage) is the skeleton of the thoracic wall. It is formed by the 12 thoracic vertebrae, 12 pairs of ribs and associated costal cartilages and the sternum. The thoracic cage takes the form of a domed bird cage with the horizontal bars formed by ribs and costal cartilages.

Where is the thoracic cage?

The thoracic cage (rib cage) forms the thorax (chest) portion of the body. It consists of the 12 pairs of ribs with their costal cartilages and the sternum (Figure 1). The ribs are anchored posteriorly to the 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1–T12).