Where the seventh rib sits in the skeleton
The seventh rib is the 7th 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. It is the last true rib, and its costal cartilage joins the sternum near the junction of the body and the xiphoid process. The ribs lengthen from the first to the seventh and then shorten again, so the seventh is usually the longest.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the seventh rib in?
The seventh 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 7th rib?
The 6th rib lies above it and the 8th rib below. At the back it articulates with the thoracic vertebrae.
Which rib is the longest?
Usually the seventh. The ribs lengthen from the first to the seventh and then shorten again.
Other ribs
- First rib
- Second rib
- Third rib
- Fourth rib
- Fifth rib
- Sixth rib
- Eighth rib
- Ninth rib
- Tenth rib
- Eleventh rib
- Twelfth rib
Joints of the seventh rib
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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