Introduction
In the narrow anatomical sense, the costal arch describes a cartilaginous part of the sternum, which represents a connection of the 8th -10th rib to the sternum. These ribs 8-10 have no direct contact with the sternum and are only indirectly attached to the sternum via cartilage. In a broader sense, however, the lower part of the bony ribcage is also generally referred to as the costal arch.
In a more general sense, however, the lower part of the bony thorax is also generally referred to as the costal arch. In general, the arch that spans a rib on each side between the spine and the sternum can also be referred to as the costal arch. Pain and discomfort in this area can come from both the rib bones and the muscles, and can also come from the organs located in this area.
Anatomy
The costal arch in the anatomical area is the cartilaginous connection of the 8th – 10th rib to the sternum, the breastbone. The costal arch is part of the lower thoracic literature (/-opening). It is formed by the 12th thoracic vertebral body, the 12th pair of ribs and the ends of the 11th pair of ribs, the costal arch and the lower end of the sternum (sword process, xiphoid process).
Towards the bottom, the lower thoracic cavity is separated from the abdominal cavity by the diaphragm. In addition to the lower thorax, there is also an upper thoracic compartment, which is formed by the 1st thoracic vertebra, the 1st pair of ribs and the upper edge of the sternum. Towards the top, the neck follows.
All ribs consist of a rib head, rib neck and rib body. The rib head and neck are connected to the thoracic spine and are fixed there by ligaments. Through cartilage, the ribs are in turn attached to the front of the sternum.
The ribs, which are attached directly to the sternum with their cartilage, are called “true ribs” (costae verae). These are the ribs 1st -7th The ribs 8th -10th are called “false ribs”, because their cartilage is attached to the next higher rib and thus pulls indirectly to the sternum. These thus form the costal arch. In total, humans have 12 pairs of ribs, whereby the 11th and 12th ribs do not reach the sternum and end freely in the trunk wall without contact to the other ribs. In general, however, the arch formed by a rib between the spine and the sternum can also be called the costal arch.