Where the sixth rib sits in the skeleton
The sixth rib is the 6th 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. The lower border of the lung usually crosses the sixth rib at the midclavicular line and runs lower towards the side. Its costal cartilage joins the lower part of the body of the sternum.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the sixth rib in?
The sixth 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 6th rib?
The 5th rib lies above it and the 7th rib below. At the back it articulates with the thoracic vertebrae.
Which rib marks the lower edge of the lung?
Usually the sixth rib at the midclavicular line, the eighth at the midaxillary line and the tenth at the back.
Other ribs
- First rib
- Second rib
- Third rib
- Fourth rib
- Fifth rib
- Seventh rib
- Eighth rib
- Ninth rib
- Tenth rib
- Eleventh rib
- Twelfth rib
Joints of the sixth rib
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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