Where the fifth rib sits in the skeleton
The fifth rib is the 5th of the twelve pairs of ribs forming the rib cage. Its back end articulates with the thoracic vertebrae. It is a true rib: its front end joins the sternum directly through its own costal cartilage. The ribs surround the heart and lungs and move with breathing. Its head meets the bodies of the fourth and fifth thoracic vertebrae and its tubercle the transverse process of the fifth. The apex of the heart lies near the left fifth intercostal space, between the fifth and sixth ribs, close to the midclavicular line.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the fifth rib in?
The fifth 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 5th rib?
The 4th rib lies above it and the 6th rib below. At the back it articulates with the thoracic vertebrae.
Which vertebrae does the fifth rib meet?
Its head meets the bodies of the fourth and fifth thoracic vertebrae, and its tubercle meets the transverse process of the fifth.
Other ribs
- First rib
- Second rib
- Third rib
- Fourth rib
- Sixth rib
- Seventh rib
- Eighth rib
- Ninth rib
- Tenth rib
- Eleventh rib
- Twelfth rib
Joints of the fifth rib
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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