Function of the ribs | Ribs

Function of the ribs

The ribs determine the shape of the chest (thorax) and protect the lungs and heart. In addition, the ribs are very important, especially when we breathe, because they lift and lower the thorax. This is done in interaction with the two rib joints (rib thoracic joints and rib vertebral joints) via various muscle groups that can be summarized as Musculi intercostali.

These are stretched between the ribs. The breathing movement between maximum inhalation and exhalation is usually more than 2 cm. A cervical rib is an accessory rib that attaches to a cervical vertebra.

Actually, humans have 12 ribs on both sides, which only originate from the thoracic vertebrae. If a cervical rib is formed, it usually has no disease value. Most cervical ribs originate from the seventh cervical vertebra and are only weakly developed.

They are usually blunt and only cartilaginous or bound to the sternum with connective tissue. The incidence of cervical vertebrae is about one percent. However, cervical ribs can also cause symptoms, depending on their size.

Near the seventh cervical vertebra, nerves and vessels run through the so-called scalenus gap. If the cervical rib becomes so large that it exerts pressure on this scalenus gap, cervical rib syndrome can occur: Pressure on the nerves can cause numbness or pain in the arm. If the artery is partially or completely squeezed by the cervical rib, this can lead to reduced blood flow in the arm or even subclavian steal syndrome.

The therapy of a cervical rib consists of surgical removal. This clinical picture can also be caused by a cervical rib: Thoracic Outlet SyndromeFor cosmetic reasons it is possible to have some ribs removed. In this case, the rudimentary pairs of ribs (11th and 12th pair of ribs) are surgically removed.

These have no connection to the breastbone (sternum) and are not involved in the construction of the costal arch. The aim of the patients is to have a wasp waist, which should be as small as possible (up to 47cm). In Germany, this operation is not officially performed, because it is a great risk and also life with a wasp waist is dangerous.

On the one hand, the operation itself is risky, because during the operation, for example, the diaphragm and also the lungs can be injured. On the other hand, life with less than 12 pairs of ribs is dangerous and has some disadvantages. The organs, such as the spleen and liver, lack important protection.

They are therefore unprotected and are injured faster and worse, for example, in falls. It is also difficult to do sports with missing ribs because the upper body as a whole lacks stability. You can find an overview of cosmetic surgery here.