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Shaft

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The shaft of a rib is the longest section:

  • begins at neck passing inferolaterally and obliquely
  • passes inferomedially from angle to distal anterior end
  • elongated, blade-like
  • concave surface facing inwards to the thoracic cavity in contact with parietal pleura
  • convex external surface:
    • relatively superficial under skin from angle projecting anteriorly
    • serratus anterior attached to superior margin in superior 8 ribs
  • superior margin:
    • rounded and relatively broad
    • external intercostal muscle attached laterally
    • more deeply, internal intercostal muscle attached from sternal end to angle
    • as a continuation, internal intercostal membrane attached from angle to tubercle
    • subcostal muscles attached in deeper plane
  • inferior margin is thinner and runs to a sharp edge:
    • external intercostal muscle attached to outer surface of margin
    • internal intercostal muscle attached more deeply from subcostal groove progressing anteriorly
    • internal intercostal membrane attached from angle to tubercle
  • internal surface near to inferior margin houses costal groove which tapers out to a rounded, smooth edge with no recess upon reaching the anterior third of the rib

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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.

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