Where the ninth rib sits in the skeleton
The ninth rib is the 9th 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. On the left the spleen lies at the level of the ninth to eleventh ribs, and on the right the fundus of the gallbladder usually lies near the tip of the ninth costal cartilage.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the ninth rib in?
The ninth 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 9th rib?
The 8th rib lies above it and the 10th rib below. At the back it articulates with the thoracic vertebrae.
Which ribs does the spleen lie under?
The left ninth to eleventh ribs, with its long axis along the tenth rib.
Other ribs
- First rib
- Second rib
- Third rib
- Fourth rib
- Fifth rib
- Sixth rib
- Seventh rib
- Eighth rib
- Tenth rib
- Eleventh rib
- Twelfth rib
Joints of the ninth rib
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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- Ageing parents: the changes families notice first
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