Where the twelfth rib sits in the skeleton
The twelfth rib is the 12th of the twelve pairs of ribs forming the rib cage. Its back end articulates with the thoracic vertebrae. It is a floating rib: its front end does not reach the sternum and ends in the muscles of the abdominal wall. The ribs surround the heart and lungs and move with breathing. It has no neck, tubercle or costal groove. Its head meets only the twelfth thoracic vertebra, the quadratus lumborum attaches to its lower border, and part of the diaphragm attaches to its inner surface.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the twelfth rib in?
The twelfth 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 12th rib?
It is the lowest rib, with the 11th rib above it. At the back it articulates with the thoracic vertebrae.
Which muscles attach to the twelfth rib?
The quadratus lumborum attaches to its lower border and part of the diaphragm to its inner surface.
Other ribs
- First rib
- Second rib
- Third rib
- Fourth rib
- Fifth rib
- Sixth rib
- Seventh rib
- Eighth rib
- Ninth rib
- Tenth rib
- Eleventh rib
Joints of the twelfth rib
Compare with similar bones
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