THORAX.-This cone-shaped bony cage is about as wide as it is deep (fig. 1-20). The thorax is formed by 12 ribs on each side and articulates posteriorly with the thoracic vertebrae. The first set of ribs are attached to the manubrium, a flat irregular bone atop the sternum. The first seven pairs of ribs are called true ribs. The remaining five pairs are called false ribs. They are called false ribs because their cartilages do not reach the sternum directly. The eighth, ninth, and tenth ribs are united by their cartilages and joined to the rib above. The last two rib pairs, also known as floating ribs, have no cartilaginous attachments to the sternum. The sternum is an elongated flat bone, forming the middle portion of the upper half of the chest wall in front. The xiphoid process, located at the inferior aspect of the sternum, serves as a landmark in the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Figure 1-18.-Typical vertebra: A. Lateral view of a typical vertebra; B. Superior view of a typical thoracic vertebra.

Figure 1-19.-Cervical vertebrae. 

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