Where it is
Chest. Ribs 1–7 attach directly to the sternum (true ribs), ribs 8–10 attach through shared cartilage (false ribs) and ribs 11–12 float.
What it does
Protects the heart, lungs and great vessels and moves with every breath: the intercostal muscles lift the ribs to enlarge the chest during inspiration.
Clinical relevance
- Landmarks matter: the angle of Louis (sternal angle) is at the second rib and marks where to count intercostal spaces.
- Chest compressions are given on the lower half of the sternum; fractured ribs are a known complication of CPR.
- Flail chest (several ribs broken in two places) causes paradoxical chest movement and respiratory distress.
Nursing focus
- Use the sternal angle to locate the second intercostal space for heart sound auscultation.
- With rib fractures, prioritize pain control so the patient can breathe deeply and cough, preventing pneumonia.