Where the tenth rib sits in the skeleton
The tenth rib is the 10th 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 last false rib, and its head usually has a single facet, so it meets only the tenth thoracic vertebra. At the back, the lower border of the lung usually lies at the level of this rib.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the tenth rib in?
The tenth 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 10th rib?
The 9th rib lies above it and the 11th rib below. At the back it articulates with the thoracic vertebrae.
Which ribs meet only one vertebra at the head?
The first rib and usually the tenth, eleventh and twelfth. The heads of the other ribs sit across two neighbouring vertebrae.
Other ribs
- First rib
- Second rib
- Third rib
- Fourth rib
- Fifth rib
- Sixth rib
- Seventh rib
- Eighth rib
- Ninth rib
- Eleventh rib
- Twelfth rib
Joints of the tenth rib
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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