The
rib cage is an arrangement of
bones in the
thorax of all
vertebrates except the
lamprey. It is formed by the
vertebral column,
ribs, and
sternum and encloses the
heart and
lungs. In humans, the rib cage, also known as the
thoracic cage, is a bony and
cartilaginous structure which surrounds the
thoracic cavity and supports the
pectoral girdle (shoulder girdle), forming a core portion of the
human skeleton. A typical human rib cage consists of 24 ribs, the sternum (with
xiphoid process),
costal cartilages, and the 12
thoracic vertebrae. Together with the
skin and associated
fascia and
muscles, the rib cage makes up the
thoracic wall and provides attachments for the muscles of the neck, thorax, upper abdomen, and back.