This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Superior surface

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The superior surface of the first rib forms part of the anterolateral margin of the root of the neck:

  • approximately half way along its length, at the point of maximal curvature, are a series grooves perpendicular to the axis of rotation:
    • most posteriorly is the groove for subclavian artery; this also houses the first thoracic nerve at its point of junction with C8 to form the lowest trunk of the brachial plexus
    • posterior to groove for the subclavian artery is the broad attachment for the fibres of scalenus medius
    • anterior to the groove on the medial surface is the scalene tubercle; scalenus anterior is attached to this landmark
    • anterior to the tubercle is the groove for the subclavian vein; the subclavian vein lies more fully in contact with the first rib than the subclavian artery
  • the lateral margin in the anterior third of the superior shaft surface provides an origin for serratus anterior
  • the pleural membrane lies against the medial margin of the upper surface anterior to the neck
  • the junction of costal cartilage with bone provides an attachment point for:
    • costoclavicular ligament
    • subclavius

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.