Anatomy

Ribs

A set of twelve curved bones which connect to the vertebral column posteriorly, and terminate anteriorly as costal cartilage. Together, they form a protective cage around the internal thoracic organs.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A set of twelve curved bones which connect to the vertebral column posteriorly, and terminate anteriorly as costal cartilage. Together, they form a protective cage around the internal thoracic organs.

MeSH Record

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Synonyms

1 entry terms
  • Rib

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

24 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood supply, chemistry, cytology, diagnostic imaging, drug effects, embryology, enzymology, growth & development, immunology, injuries, innervation, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, physiopathology, radiation effects, surgery, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

/inj permitted: do not coordinate with THORACIC INJURIES but note RIB FRACTURES is available

MeSH Hierarchy

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NLM Classification

WE 715

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Ribs. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D012272. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D012272
  2. Ribs. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rib
  3. Ribs. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q196672