Anatomy & Physiology › Section G · The axial and appendicular skeleton › Topic G.3
The thoracic cage and axial development
The ribs and sternum form a flexible cage around the heart and lungs that rises and falls with every breath. This topic describes that cage, then follows the whole axial skeleton back to its beginnings in the embryo.
In this topic
- The thoracic cage
- The sternum
- Parts of a rib
- True, false and floating ribs
- Worked example: tracing rib 6
- Worked example: counting ribs by touch
- Where the axial skeleton comes from
- How the skull develops
- Vertebrae, ribs and sternum develop
- When a suture closes too early
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
This topic is part of Wuanberri Pro. Checking your access…