Where the eighth rib sits in the skeleton
The eighth rib is the 8th of the twelve pairs of ribs forming the rib cage. Its back end articulates with the thoracic vertebrae. It is a false rib: its costal cartilage joins the cartilage above, reaching the sternum only indirectly. The ribs surround the heart and lungs and move with breathing. It is the first false rib, and its costal cartilage joins the cartilage of the seventh rib. The cartilages of the seventh to tenth ribs together form the costal margin, the lower front edge of the rib cage.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the eighth rib in?
The eighth rib is one of the bones of the rib cage. Twelve pairs of ribs form the rib cage around the heart and lungs.
How many ribs are there?
There are twelve pairs of ribs, 24 in all. Ribs 1 to 7 are true ribs, ribs 8 to 10 are false ribs, and ribs 11 and 12 are floating ribs.
What lies above and below the 8th rib?
The 7th rib lies above it and the 9th rib below. At the back it articulates with the thoracic vertebrae.
What is the costal margin?
The lower front edge of the rib cage, formed by the joined cartilages of the seventh to tenth ribs. The two sides meet below the sternum.
Other ribs
- First rib
- Second rib
- Third rib
- Fourth rib
- Fifth rib
- Sixth rib
- Seventh rib
- Ninth rib
- Tenth rib
- Eleventh rib
- Twelfth rib
Joints of the eighth rib
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
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