The function of the ribs is to provide a framework upon which muscles act to generate breathing movements. Breathing movements result in pressure differences between the environment and the thorax. These pressure differences are resisted by the rib cage.
A direct blow to the chest may result in a localised disruption in the integrity of the rib cage. Most commonly, double fractures of the ribs result in a section of chest wall which cannot resist the pressure gradient generated during breathing.
The result is "paradoxical respiration":
The loss of tidal volume may precipitate respiratory failure.
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