Accessory bones of thorax
Ossa accessoria thoracis
Definition
The accessory bones of the thorax include suprasternal bones and supernumerary ribs.
Suprasternal bones (Episternal ossicles) are small accessory bones located superior and posterior to the manubrium. These ossicles represent an anatomical variation and have a reported prevalence of 2.1% in the general population.
Supernumerary ribs (Accessory ribs) occur as cervical ribs, lumbar ribs, or intrathoracic ribs. Intrathoracic ribs are particularly rare and are usually discovered incidentally during imaging studies. They can be present without articulation with the vertebrae and are often clinically silent.
References
1.Anatomical Study and Meta-Analysis of the Episternal Ossicles.Pongruengkiat W, Pitaksinagorn W, Yurasakpong L, et al.Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA. 2024;46(2):195-202. doi:10.1007/s00276-023-03280-y.
2.Four Accessory (Supernumerary) Intrathoracic Ribs: A Case Report.Prados J, Archilla F, Melguizo C, Aranega A.Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA. 2013;35(7):627-9. doi:10.1007/s00276-013-1079-3.
3.Third Accessory (Supernumerary) Intrathoracic Right Rib.Apaydin M, Sarsilmaz A, Varer M.Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA. 2009;31(8):641-3. doi:10.1007/s00276-009-0496-9.
